Xanthine dehydrogenase (xdh) irna compositions and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to RNAi agents, e.g., double stranded RNAi agents, targeting a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene, and methods of using such double stranded RNAi agents to inhibit expression of an XDH gene and methods of treating subjects having an XDH-associated disease.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/287,522, filed on Jan. 27, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/255,603, filed on Nov. 16, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/197,221, filed on Jul. 27, 2015. The entire contents of each of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The ASCII copy, created on Jul. 20, 2016, is named 121301-04020_SL.txt and is 600,476 bytes in size.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reduced renal clearance of uric acid is the result of a number of factors, including defects in uric acid transporter proteins such as SLC2A9, ABCG2, and others; reduced renal excretion due to renal disease, hypothyroidism, volume contraction and volume depletion, acidosis, lead intoxication, and familial nephropathy due to uromodulin deposits; and altered renal clearance due to hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance in diabetes. Increased synthesis of uric acid is associated with hyperuricemia plus hyperuricosuria; inborn errors of metabolism such as Lesch Nyhan/HPRT deficiency, PRPP synthetase overactivity, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (Von Gierke disease/Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ia); certain situations of high cell turnover (e.g., tumor lysis syndrome); certain situations of high ATP turnover (e.g., glycogen storage diseases, tissue ischemia). Furthermore, conditions such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and high fructose intake may result in both increased uric acid synthesis and decreased uric acid clearance.

Chronic elevated serum uric acid (chronic hyperuricemia), typically defined as serum urate levels greater than 6.8 mg/dl (greater than 360 mmol/), the level above which the physiological saturation threshold is exceeded (Mandell, Cleve. Clin. Med. 75:S5-S8, 2008), is associated with a number of diseases. For example, gout is characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis that is caused by an inflammatory reaction to uric acid crystals in the joint typically due to insufficient renal clearance of uric acid or excessive uric acid production. Fructose associated gout is associated with variants of transporters expressed in the kidney, intestine, and liver. Chronic elevated uric acid is also associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic disorder, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and conditions linked to oxidative stress, chronic low grade inflammation, and insulin resistance (Xu et al., J. Hepatol. 62:1412-1419, 2015;Cardoso et al., J. Pediatr. 89:412-418, 2013; Sertoglu et al., Clin. Biochem., 47:383-388, 2014).

Uric acid (also referred to herein as urate) is the final metabolite of endogenous and dietary purine metabolism. Xanthine oxidase (XO) (EC 1.1.3.22) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) (EC 1.17.1.4), which catalyze the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine, and xanthine to uric acid, respectively, are interconvertible forms of the same enzyme. The enzymes are molybdopterin-containing flavoproteins that consist of two identical subunits of approximately 145 kDa. The enzyme from mammalian sources, including man, is synthesized as the dehydrogenase form, but it can be readily converted to the oxidase form by oxidation of sulfhydryl residues or by proteolysis. XDH is primarily expressed in the intestine and the liver, but it is also expressed in other tissues including adipose tissue.

Allopurinol and febuxostat (Uloric®), inhibitors of the XDH form of the enzyme, are commonly used for the treatment of gout. However, their use is contraindicated in patients with co-morbidities common to gout, especially decreased renal function, e.g., due to chronic kidney disease or hepatic impairment. Their use may also be limited in patients with metabolic syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease, or diabetes (either type 1 or type 2), due to limited organ function from the disease or condition, or due to adverse drug interactions with agents used for the treatment of such conditions.

Currently, treatments for gout do not fully meet patient needs. Therefore, there is a need for additional therapies for subjects that would benefit from reduction in the expression of an XDH gene, such as a subject having an XDH-associated disease or disorder, e.g., gout.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides iRNA compositions which affect the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-mediated cleavage of RNA transcripts of an XDH gene. The XDH gene may be within a cell, e.g., a cell within a subject, such as a human.

In an aspect, the invention provides a double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene, wherein the dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or 9 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or 10, respectively.

In certain embodiments, the sense strand and antisense strand independently comprise sequences selected from the group consisting of any one of the sequences in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6, and 7.

In an aspect, the invention provides a double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), wherein the dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, the antisense strand comprising a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of the antisense sequences listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6, and 7.

In certain embodiments, the dsRNA agent comprises at least one nucleotide comprising a nucleotide modification. In one embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand comprise a modification. In another embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand comprise a modification. In yet another embodiment, substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand comprise a modification. In one embodiment, all of the nucleotides of the sense strand comprise a modification. In another embodiment, all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand comprise a modification. In some embodiments, all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand comprise a nucleotide modification.

In an aspect, the invention provides a double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene, wherein the dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand forming a double stranded region, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or 9 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or 10, respectively, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand comprise a nucleotide modification, and wherein the sense strand is conjugated to a ligand attached at the 3′-terminus.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agents for inhibiting expression of a XDH gene, which comprise a sense strand and an antisense strand forming a double stranded region, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of nucleotides 490-512, 86-104, 273-291, 339-358, 410-428, 444-462, 490-509, 493-512, 888-907, 936-954, 969-987, 1105-1123, 1158-1176, 1242-1260, 1326-1344, 1357-1412, 1357-1379, 1357-1376, 1360-1379, 1378-1412, 1378-1396, 1394-1412, 1481-1499, 1515-1548, 1515-1533, 1530-1548, 1718-1736, 1783-1802, 1854-1890, 1854-1872, 1872-1890, 2053-2072, 2077-2096, 2137-2160, 2137-2156, 2142-2160, 2173-2206, 2173-2192, 2177-2195, 2184-2203, 2187-2206, 2314-2332, 2567-2604, 2567-2585, 2585-2604, 2620-2640, 2620-2639, 2621-2640, 2722-2740, 2891-2909, 2941-2975, 2941-2959, 2956-2975, 2993-3011, 3025-3061, 3025-3044, 3042-3061, 3062-3110, 3062-3080, 3079-3097, 3091-3110, 3112-3147, 3112-3130, 3129-3147, 3197-3215, 3247-3265, 3316-3334, 3366-3384, 3487-3520, 3487-3505, 3502-3520, 3606-3624, 3672-3690, 3891-3930, 3891-3910, 3893-3912, 3912-3930, 4063-4081, 4114-4132, 4152-4171, 4200-4218, 4300-4337, 4300-4319, 4303-4321, 4319-4337, 4386-4404, 4519-4538, 4541-4559, 4618-4637, or 4703-4722 of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agents for inhibiting expression of a XDH gene, which comprise a sense strand and an antisense strand forming a double stranded region, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of any one of nucleotides 490-512, 86-104, 273-291, 339-358, 410-428, 444-462, 490-509, 493-512, 888-907, 936-954, 969-987, 1105-1123, 1158-1176, 1242-1260, 1326-1344, 1357-1412, 1357-1379, 1357-1376, 1360-1379, 1378-1412, 1378-1396, 1394-1412, 1481-1499, 1515-1548, 1515-1533, 1530-1548, 1718-1736, 1783-1802, 1854-1890, 1854-1872, 1872-1890, 2053-2072, 2077-2096, 2137-2160, 2137-2156, 2142-2160, 2173-2206, 2173-2192, 2177-2195, 2184-2203, 2187-2206, 2314-2332, 2567-2604, 2567-2585, 2585-2604, 2620-2640, 2620-2639, 2621-2640, 2722-2740, 2891-2909, 2941-2975, 2941-2959, 2956-2975, 2993-3011, 3025-3061, 3025-3044, 3042-3061, 3062-3110, 3062-3080, 3079-3097, 3091-3110, 3112-3147, 3112-3130, 3129-3147, 3197-3215, 3247-3265, 3316-3334, 3366-3384, 3487-3520, 3487-3505, 3502-3520, 3606-3624, 3672-3690, 3891-3930, 3891-3910, 3893-3912, 3912-3930, 4063-4081, 4114-4132, 4152-4171, 4200-4218, 4300-4337, 4300-4319, 4303-4321, 4319-4337, 4386-4404, 4519-4538, 4541-4559, 4618-4637, or 4703-4722 of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the sense strand and the antisense strand comprise a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of the antisense sequences listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6, and 7. For example, in certain embodiments, the sense strand and the antisense strand comprise a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of the antisense sequences of any one of the duplexes in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7. In certain embodiments, the sense strand and the antisense strand comprise a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of any one of the antisense sequences of the duplexes any one of the duplexes in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7.

For example, in certain embodiments, the sense strand and the antisense strand comprise a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of the antisense nucleotide sequences selected from the group consisting of the antisense nucleotide sequence of any of of duplexes AD-70016, AD-70033, AD-70053, AD-70050, AD-70051, AD-72007, AD-71990, AD-70049, AD-71993, AD-70042, AD-70052, AD-70018, AD-70055, AD-71831, AD-71810, AD-70023, AD-70035, AD-70044, AD-71820, AD-70027, AD-70034, AD-71837, AD-71861, AD-71998, AD-70020, AD-70026, AD-70030, AD-71801, AD-72003, AD-70025, AD-70021, AD-70029, AD-71834, AD-71765, AD-70043, AD-71840, AD-72006, AD-71844, AD-71779, AD-71830, AD-71952, AD-71766, AD-71950, AD-70022, AD-71833, AD-71823, AD-71847, AD-71900, AD-72014, AD-72015, AD-70037, AD-71982, AD-71787, AD-71894, AD-70048, AD-71887, AD-70028, AD-71980, AD-71826, AD-71855, AD-71778, AD-71757, AD-72012, AD-71854, AD-71890, AD-70038, AD-71865, AD-71933, AD-71942, AD-71901, AD-71878, AD-71905, and AD-71914.

In certain embodiments, the sense and antisense nucleotide sequences of a dsRNA agent of the invention are selected from the group consisting of a duplex selected from the group consisting of duplexes AD-70016, AD-70033, AD-70053, AD-70050, AD-70051, AD-72007, AD-71990, AD-70049, AD-71993, AD-70042, AD-70052, AD-70018, AD-70055, AD-71831, AD-71810, AD-70023, AD-70035, AD-70044, AD-71820, AD-70027, AD-70034, AD-71837, AD-71861, AD-71998, AD-70020, AD-70026, AD-70030, AD-71801, AD-72003, AD-70025, AD-70021, AD-70029, AD-71834, AD-71765, AD-70043, AD-71840, AD-72006, AD-71844, AD-71779, AD-71830, AD-71952, AD-71766, AD-71950, AD-70022, AD-71833, AD-71823, AD-71847, AD-71900, AD-72014, AD-72015, AD-70037, AD-71982, AD-71787, AD-71894, AD-70048, AD-71887, AD-70028, AD-71980, AD-71826, AD-71855, AD-71778, AD-71757, AD-72012, AD-71854, AD-71890, AD-70038, AD-71865, AD-71933, AD-71942, AD-71901, AD-71878, AD-71905, and AD-71914. In certain embodiments, the sense strand and the antisense strand comprise a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of any one of the sense and antisense nucleotide sequences of any one of the foregoing duplexes.

In some embodiments, all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand comprise a nucleotide modification. In one embodiment, the modified nucleotides are independently selected from the group consisting of a deoxy-nucleotide, a 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotide, a 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide, a 2′-fluoro modified nucleotide, a 2′-deoxy-modified nucleotide, a locked nucleotide, an unlocked nucleotide, a conformationally restricted nucleotide, a constrained ethyl nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide, a 2′-amino-modified nucleotide, a 2′-O-allyl-modified nucleotide, 2′-C-alkyl-modified nucleotide, 2′-hydroxly-modified nucleotide, a 2′-methoxyethyl modified nucleotide, a 2′-O-alkyl-modified nucleotide, a morpholino nucleotide, a phosphoramidate, a non-natural base comprising nucleotide, a tetrahydropyran modified nucleotide, a 1,5-anhydrohexitol modified nucleotide, a cyclohexenyl modified nucleotide, a nucleotide comprising a phosphorothioate group, a nucleotide comprising a methylphosphonate group, a nucleotide comprising a 5′-phosphate, and a nucleotide comprising a 5′-phosphate mimic. In another embodiment, the modified nucleotides comprise a short sequence of 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine nucleotides (dT), e.g., 1, 2, or 3 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine nucleotides (dT). In one embodiment, the modified nucleotides comprise two 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine nucleotides (dT)

In certain embodiments, substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand are modified. In certain embodiments, substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified. In certain embodiments, substantially all of the nucleotides of both the sense strand and the antisense strand are modified.

In certain embodiments, the duplex comprises, or consists of, a modified antisense strand nucleotide sequence provided in any one of Tables 4 and 7. In certain embodiments, the duplex comprises a modified sense strand nucleotide sequence provided in Table 4. In certain embodiments, the duplex comprises any one of the modified sense strand and antisense strand nucleotide sequences of a duplex provided in any one of Tables 4 and 7.

In certain embodiments, the region of complementarity between the antisense strand and the target is at least 17 nucleotides in length. For example, the region of complementarity between the antisense strand and the target is 19 to 21 nucleotides in length, for example, the region of complementarity is 21 nucleotides in length. In preferred embodiments, each strand is no more than 30 nucleotides in length.

In some embodiments, at least one strand comprises a 3′ overhang of at least 1 nucleotide, e.g., at least one strand comprises a 3′ overhang of at least 2 nucleotides.

In many embodiments, the dsRNA agent further comprises a ligand. The ligand can be conjugated to the 3′ end of the sense strand of the dsRNA agent. The ligand can be an N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) derivative including, but not limited to

In various embodiments, the ligand is attached to the 5′ end of the sense strand of the dsRNA agent, the 3′ end of the antisense strand of the dsRNA agent, or the 5′ end of the antisense strand of the dsRNA agent.

In some embodiments, the dsRNA agents of the invention comprise a plurality, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, of GalNAc, each independently attached to a plurality of nucleotides of the dsRNA agent through a plurality of monovalent linkers.

An exemplary dsRNA agent conjugated to the ligand as shown in the following schematic:

and, wherein X is O or S. In one embodiment, the X is O.

In certain embodiments, the ligand is a cholesterol.

In certain embodiments, the region of complementarity comprises any one of the antisense sequences in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7. In another embodiment, the region of complementarity consists of any one of the antisense sequences in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7.

In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is selected from the group of dsRNA agents listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6, and 7.

In an aspect, the invention provides a double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agents for inhibiting expression of a XDH gene, wherein the dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand forming a double stranded region, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or 9 and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or 10, respectively, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand comprise a nucleotide modification selected from a 2′-O-methyl modification and a 2′-fluoro modification, wherein the sense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand comprise a nucleotide modification selected from a 2′-O-methyl modification and a 2′-fluoro modification, wherein the antisense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus and two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 3′-terminus, and wherein the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a branched bivalent or trivalent linker at the 3′-terminus.

In certain embodiments, all of the nucleotides of the sense strand and all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified nucleotides. In certain embodiments, each strand has 19-30 nucleotides.

In certain embodiments, substantially all of the nucleotides of the sense strand are modified. In certain embodiments, substantially all of the nucleotides of the antisense strand are modified. In certain embodiments, substantially all of the nucleotides of both the sense strand and the antisense strand are modified.

In an aspect, the invention provides a cell containing the dsRNA agent as described herein.

In an aspect, the invention provides a vector encoding at least one strand of a dsRNA agent, wherein the dsRNA agent comprises a region of complementarity to at least a part of an mRNA encoding XDH, wherein the dsRNA agent is 30 base pairs or less in length, and wherein the dsRNA agent targets the mRNA for cleavage. In certain embodiments, the region of complementarity is at least 15 nucleotides in length. In certain embodiments, the region of complementarity is 19 to 23 nucleotides in length.

In an aspect, the invention provides a cell comprising a vector as described herein.

In an aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting expression of an XDH gene comprising the dsRNA agent of the invention. In one embodiment, the dsRNA agent is administered in an unbuffered solution. In certain embodiments, the unbuffered solution is saline or water. In other embodiments, the dsRNA agent is administered with a buffer solution. In such embodiments, the buffer solution can comprises acetate, citrate, prolamine, carbonate, or phosphate, or any combination thereof. For example, the buffer solution can be phosphate buffered saline (PBS).

In an aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA agent of the invention and a lipid formulation. In certain embodiments, the lipid formulation comprises a LNP. In certain embodiments, the lipid formulation comprises a MC3.

In an aspect, the invention provides a method of inhibiting XDH expression in a cell, the method comprising (a) contacting the cell with the dsRNA agent of the invention or the pharmaceutical composition of the invention; and (b) maintaining the cell produced in step (a) for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA transcript of an XDH gene, thereby inhibiting expression of the XDH gene in the cell. In certain embodiments, the cell is within a subject, for example, a human subject, for example a female human or a male human. In preferred embodiments, XDH expression is inhibited by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, preferably at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or to below the threshold of detection.

In an aspect, the invention provides a method of treating a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from reduction in XDH expression, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the dsRNA agent of the invention or the pharmaceutical composition of the invention, thereby treating the subject.

In an aspect, the invention provides a method of preventing at least one symptom in a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from reduction in XDH expression, the method comprising administering to the subject a prophylactically effective amount of the dsRNA agent of the invention or a pharmaceutical composition of the invention, thereby preventing at least one symptom in the subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in XDH expression.

In certain embodiments, the administration of the dsRNA agent to the subject causes a decrease in the uric acid production. In certain embodiments, the administration of the dsRNA agent causes a decrease in the level of XDH in the subject, e.g., the level of XO or XDH protein, or XDH mRNA in the subject.

In certain embodiments, the XDH-associated disease is gout. In certain embodiments, the XDH-associated disease is Lesch Nyhan syndrome. In another embodiment, the XDH-associated disease is glycogen storage disease (GSD), e.g., GSD type Ia.

In certain embodiments, the invention further comprises administering an agent to decrease uric acid level in a subject, e.g., an inhibitor of uric acid production or an agent that increases uric acid elimination, to the subject with an XDH-associated disease. Agents to decrease the uric acid level in a subject include, but are not limited to, allopurinol, febuxostat, or an interleukin-1β (IL-1β) antagonist (canakinumab or rilonacept).

In certain embodiments, treatment of the subject with allopurinol is contraindicated. For example, administration of allopurinol is contraindicated in a subject with compromised renal function, due to, for example, chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism, hyperinsulinemia, or insulin resistance. Administration of allopurinol may be contraindicated in combination with other drugs including, but not limited to, oral coagulants and probencid; subjects taking diuretics especially thiazide diuretics or other drugs that can reduce kidney function/have potential kidney toxicity.

In certain embodiments, the dsRNA agent is administered to a subject with an XDH-associated disease wherein the subject has compromised renal function. In certain embodiments, the dsRNA agent is administered to a subject with an XDH-associated disease wherein the subject is predisposed to compromised renal function, e.g., in a subject with hypertension, metabolic disorder, Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, or the elderly. In certain embodiments, a subject is predisposed to compromised renal function as a result of treatment with one or more other therapeutic agents, e.g., diuretics.

In certain embodiments, the dsRNA agent is administered to a subject with an XDH-associated disease wherein the subject has failed treatment with allopurinol, e.g., gout flares during treatment, hypersensitivity reaction at any time after initiation of treatment with allopurinol or other unacceptable side effects as judged by the physician or patient.

Gout is often present in subjects who suffer from one or more co-morbidities. In certain embodiments, the dsRNA agent is administered to a subject with gout who has one or more of these co-morbidities. For example, in certain embodiments, the co-morbidity is reduced cardiac function or has cardiovascular disease. In certain embodiments, the co-morbidity is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In certain embodiments, the co-morbidity is metabolic syndrome. In certain embodiments, the co-morbidity is hyperlipidemia. In certain embodiments, the co-morbidity is reduced renal function (e.g., glomerular filtration rate of less than 60).

In certain embodiments if the invention, the dsRNA agent is administered to a subject with gout who is not obese.

In various embodiments, the dsRNA agent is administered at a dose of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg or about 0.5 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg. In some embodiments, the dsRNA agent is administered at a dose of about 10 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg. In certain embodiments, the dsRNA agent is administered at a dose selected from 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg. In certain embodiments, the dsRNA agent is administered about once per week, once per month, once every other two months, or once a quarter (i.e., once every three months) at a dose of about 0.1 mg/kg to about 5.0 mg/kg.

In certain embodiments, the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject once a week. In certain embodiments, the dsdsRNA agent is administered to the subject once a month. In certain embodiments, the dsRNA agent is administered once per quarter (i.e., every three months).

In some embodiment, the dsdsRNA agent is administered to the subject subcutaneously.

In various embodiments, the methods of the invention further comprise monitoring the subject for at least one sign or symptom of an XDH-related disease, for example, gout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing the uric acid metabolic pathway. XDH is labeled as XO in the schematic.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides iRNA compositions which effect the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-mediated cleavage of RNA transcripts of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene. The gene may be within a cell, e.g., a cell within a subject, such as a human. The use of these iRNAs enables the targeted degradation of mRNAs of the corresponding gene (XDH gene) in mammals.

The iRNAs of the invention have been designed to target the human XDH gene, including portions of the gene that are conserved in the XDH othologs of other mammalian species. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the specific target sites or the specific modifications in these iRNAs confer to the iRNAs of the invention improved efficacy, stability, potency, durability, and safety.

Accordingly, the present invention also provides methods for treating a subject having a disorder that would benefit from inhibiting or reducing the expression of an XDH gene, e.g., an XDH-associated disease, such as gout, using iRNA compositions which effect the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-mediated cleavage of RNA transcripts of an XDH gene.

The iRNAs of the invention include an RNA strand (the antisense strand) having a region which is about 30 nucleotides or less in length, e.g., 15-30, 15-29, 15-28, 15-27, 15-26, 15-25, 15-24, 15-23, 15-22, 15-21, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 18-30, 18-29, 18-28, 18-27, 18-26, 18-25, 18-24, 18-23, 18-22, 18-21, 18-20, 19-30, 19-29, 19-28, 19-27, 19-26, 19-25, 19-24, 19-23, 19-22, 19-21, 19-20, 20-30, 20-29, 20-28, 20-27, 20-26, 20-25, 20-24, 20-23, 20-22, 20-21, 21-30, 21-29, 21-28, 21-27, 21-26, 21-25, 21-24, 21-23, or 21-22 nucleotides in length, which region is substantially complementary to at least part of an mRNA transcript of an XDH gene. In certain embodiments, the iRNAs of the invention include an RNA strand (the antisense strand) which can include longer lengths, for example up to 66 nucleotides, e.g., 36-66, 26-36, 25-36, 31-60, 22-43, 27-53 nucleotides in length with a region of at least 19 contiguous nucleotides that is substantially complementary to at least a part of an mRNA transcript of an XDH gene. These iRNAs with the longer length antisense strands preferably include a second RNA strand (the sense strand) of 20-60 nucleotides in length wherein the sense and antisense strands form a duplex of 18-30 contiguous nucleotides.

The use of the iRNA agents described herein enable the targeted degradation of mRNAs of the corresponding gene (XDH gene) in mammals. Very low dosages of the iRNAs of the invention, in particular, can specifically and efficiently mediate RNA interference (RNAi), resulting in significant inhibition of expression of the corresponding gene (XDH gene). Using in vitro and in vivo assays, the present inventors have demonstrated that iRNAs targeting an XDH gene can mediate RNAi, resulting in significant inhibition of expression of XDH and a decrease in uric acid levels. Thus, methods and compositions including these iRNAs are useful for treating a subject having an XDH-associated disease, such as gout.

The following detailed description discloses how to make and use compositions containing iRNAs to inhibit the expression of an XDH gene as well as compositions, uses, and methods for treating subjects having diseases and disorders that would benefit from reduction of the expression of an XDH gene.

I. Definitions

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined. In addition, it should be noted that whenever a value or range of values of a parameter are recited, it is intended that values and ranges intermediate to the recited values are also intended to be part of this invention.

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element, e.g., a plurality of elements.

The term “including” is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably with, the phrase “including but not limited to”.

The term “or” is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably with, the term “and/or,” unless context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “sense strand or antisense strand” is understood as “sense strand or antisense strand or sense strand and antisense strand.”

The term “about” is used herein to mean within the typical ranges of tolerances in the art. For example, “about” can be understood as about 2 standard deviations from the mean. In certain embodiments, about means±10%. In certain embodiments, about means±5%. When about is present before a series of numbers or a range, it is understood that “about” can modify each of the numbers in the series or range.

The term “at least” prior to a number or series of numbers is understood to include the number adjacent to the term “at least”, and all subsequent numbers or integers that could logically be included, as clear from context. For example, the number of nucleotides in a nucleic acid molecule must be an integer. For example, “at least 18 nucleotides of a 21 nucleotide nucleic acid molecule” means that 18, 19, 20, or 21 nucleotides have the indicated property. When at least is present before a series of numbers or a range, it is understood that “at least” can modify each of the numbers in the series or range.

As used herein, “no more than” or “less than” is understood as the value adjacent to the phrase and logical lower values or integers, as logical from context, to zero. For example, a duplex with an overhang of “no more than 2 nucleotides” has a 2, 1, or 0 nucleotide overhang. When “no more than” is present before a series of numbers or a range, it is understood that “no more than” can modify each of the numbers in the series or range.

As used herein, ranges include both the upper and lower limit.

In the event of a conflict between a sequence and its indicated site on a transcript or other sequence, the nucleotide sequence recited in the specification takes precedence.

Various embodiments of the invention can be combined as determined appropriate by one of skill in the art.

“Xanthine dehydrogenase” or “XDH” belongs to the group of molybdenum-containing hydroxylases involved in the oxidative metabolism of purines. The encoded protein has been identified as a moonlighting protein based on its ability to perform mechanistically distinct functions. Xanthine dehydrogenase can be converted to xanthine oxidase by reversible sulfhydryl oxidation or by irreversible proteolytic modification. As used herein, unless clear from context, xanthine dehydrogenase or XDH is understood to include both the xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase (“XO” or “XOR”) form of the protein. The protein is expressed predominantly in the intestine and the liver, but is also expressed in adipose tissue. Two transcript variants have been identified for the human isoform of the gene. Further information on XDH is provided, for example in the NCBI Gene database at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/7498 (which is incorporated herein by reference as of the date of filing this application). The amino acid and complete coding sequences of the reference sequence of the human XDH gene may be found in, for example, GenBank Accession No. GI: 91823270 (RefSeq Accession No. NM_000379.3; SEQ ID NO:1; the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO:1 is shown in SEQ ID NO:2) and GenBank Accession No. GI: 767915203 (RefSeq Accession No. XM_011533096; SEQ ID NO: 9; the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO:9 is shown in SEQ ID NO:10). The nucleotide and amino acid sequence of mammalian orthologs of the human XDH gene may be found in, for example, GI: 575501724 (RefSeq Accession No. NM_011723.3, mouse; SEQ ID NO:3; the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO:3 is shown in SEQ ID NO:4); GI: 8394543 (RefSeq Accession No. NM_017154.1, rat; SEQ ID NO:5; the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO:5 is shown in SEQ ID NO:6); GenBank Accession Nos. GI: 544482046 (RefSeq Accession Nos. XM_005576183.1 and XM_005576184.1, cynomolgus monkey; SEQ ID NO:7; the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO:7 is shown in SEQ ID NO:8, and SEQ ID NO:15; the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO:15 is shown in SEQ ID NO:16, respectively).

A number of naturally occurring SNPs in the XDH gene are known and can be found, for example, in the SNP database at the NCBI at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/snp?LinkName=gene_snp&from_uid=7498 (which is incorporated herein by reference as of the date of filing this application) which lists over 3000 SNPs in human XDH. In preferred embodiments, such naturally occurring variants are included within the scope of the XDH gene sequence.

Additional examples of XDH mRNA sequences are readily available using publicly available databases, e.g., GenBank, UniProt, and OMIM.

As used herein, “target sequence” refers to a contiguous portion of the nucleotide sequence of an mRNA molecule formed during the transcription of an XDH gene, including mRNA that is a product of RNA processing of a primary transcription product. The target portion of the sequence will be at least long enough to serve as a substrate for iRNA-directed cleavage at or near that portion of the nucleotide sequence of an mRNA molecule formed during the transcription of an XDH gene.

In one embodiment, the target sequence is within the protein coding region of XDH.

The target sequence may be from about 9-36 nucleotides in length, e.g., about 15-30 nucleotides in length. For example, the target sequence can be from about 15-30 nucleotides, 15-29, 15-28, 15-27, 15-26, 15-25, 15-24, 15-23, 15-22, 15-21, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 18-30, 18-29, 18-28, 18-27, 18-26, 18-25, 18-24, 18-23, 18-22, 18-21, 18-20, 19-30, 19-29, 19-28, 19-27, 19-26, 19-25, 19-24, 19-23, 19-22, 19-21, 19-20, 20-30, 20-29, 20-28, 20-27, 20-26, 20-25, 20-24, 20-23, 20-22, 20-21, 21-30, 21-29, 21-28, 21-27, 21-26, 21-25, 21-24, 21-23, or 21-22 nucleotides in length. Ranges and lengths intermediate to the above recited ranges and lengths are also contemplated to be part of the invention.

As used herein, the term “strand comprising a sequence” refers to an oligonucleotide comprising a chain of nucleotides that is described by the sequence referred to using the standard nucleotide nomenclature.

“G,” “C,” “A,” “T,” and “U” each generally stand for a nucleotide that contains guanine, cytosine, adenine, thymidine, and uracil as a base, respectively. However, it will be understood that the term “ribonucleotide” or “nucleotide” can also refer to a modified nucleotide, as further detailed below, or a surrogate replacement moiety (see, e.g., Table 2). The skilled person is well aware that guanine, cytosine, adenine, and uracil can be replaced by other moieties without substantially altering the base pairing properties of an oligonucleotide comprising a nucleotide bearing such replacement moiety. For example, without limitation, a nucleotide comprising inosine as its base can base pair with nucleotides containing adenine, cytosine, or uracil. Hence, nucleotides containing uracil, guanine, or adenine can be replaced in the nucleotide sequences of dsRNA featured in the invention by a nucleotide containing, for example, inosine. In another example, adenine and cytosine anywhere in the oligonucleotide can be replaced with guanine and uracil, respectively to form G-U Wobble base pairing with the target mRNA. Sequences containing such replacement moieties are suitable for the compositions and methods featured in the invention.

The terms “iRNA,” “RNAi agent,” “iRNA agent,” “RNA interference agent” as used interchangeably herein, refer to an agent that contains RNA as that term is defined herein, and which mediates the targeted cleavage of an RNA transcript via an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) pathway. iRNA directs the sequence-specific degradation of mRNA through a process known as RNA interference (RNAi). The iRNA modulates, e.g., inhibits, the expression of an XDH gene in a cell, e.g., a cell within a subject, such as a mammalian subject.

In one embodiment, an RNAi agent of the invention includes a single stranded RNAi that interacts with a target RNA sequence, e.g., an XDH target mRNA sequence, to direct the cleavage of the target RNA. Without wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that long double stranded RNA introduced into cells is broken down into double stranded short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand by a Type III endonuclease known as Dicer (Sharp et al. (2001) Genes Dev. 15:485). Dicer, a ribonuclease-III-like enzyme, processes these dsRNA into 19-23 base pair short interfering RNAs with characteristic two base 3′ overhangs (Bernstein, et al., (2001) Nature 409:363). These siRNAs are then incorporated into an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) where one or more helicases unwind the siRNA duplex, enabling the complementary antisense strand to guide target recognition (Nykanen, et al., (2001) Cell 107:309). Upon binding to the appropriate target mRNA, one or more endonucleases within the RISC cleave the target to induce silencing (Elbashir, et al., (2001) Genes Dev. 15:188). Thus, in one aspect the invention relates to a single stranded RNA (ssRNA) (the antisense strand of an siRNA duplex) generated within a cell and which promotes the formation of a RISC complex to effect silencing of the target gene, i.e., an XDH gene. Accordingly, the term “siRNA” is also used herein to refer to an RNAi as described above.

In another embodiment, the RNAi agent may be a single-stranded RNA that is introduced into a cell or organism to inhibit a target mRNA. Single-stranded RNAi agents bind to the RISC endonuclease, Argonaute 2, which then cleaves the target mRNA. The single-stranded siRNAs are generally 15-30 nucleotides in length and are chemically modified. The design and testing of single-stranded RNAs are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,101,348 and in Lima et al., (2012) Cell 150:883-894, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Any of the antisense nucleotide sequences described herein may be used as a single-stranded siRNA as described herein or as chemically modified by the methods described in Lima et al., (2012) Cell 150:883-894.

In certain embodiments, an “iRNA” for use in the compositions, uses, and methods of the invention is a double stranded RNA and is referred to herein as a “double stranded RNAi agent,” “double stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecule,” “dsRNA agent,” or “dsRNA”. The term “dsRNA” refers to a complex of ribonucleic acid molecules, having a duplex structure comprising two anti-parallel and substantially complementary nucleic acid strands, referred to as having “sense” and “antisense” orientations with respect to a target RNA, i.e., an XDH gene. In some embodiments of the invention, a double stranded RNA (dsRNA) triggers the degradation of a target RNA, e.g., an mRNA, through a post-transcriptional gene-silencing mechanism referred to herein as RNA interference or RNAi.

In general, the majority of nucleotides of each strand of a dsRNA molecule are ribonucleotides, but as described in detail herein, each or both strands can also include one or more non-ribonucleotides, e.g., a deoxyribonucleotide or a modified nucleotide. In addition, as used in this specification, an “iRNA” may include ribonucleotides with chemical modifications; an iRNA may include substantial modifications at multiple nucleotides.

As used herein, the term “modified nucleotide” refers to a nucleotide having, independently, a modified sugar moiety, a modified internucleotide linkage, or modified nucleobase, or any combination thereof. Thus, the term modified nucleotide encompasses substitutions, additions or removal of, e.g., a functional group or atom, to internucleoside linkages, sugar moieties, or nucleobases. The modifications suitable for use in the agents of the invention include all types of modifications disclosed herein or known in the art. Any such modifications, as used in a siRNA type molecule, are encompassed by “iRNA” or “RNAi agent” for the purposes of this specification and claims.

The duplex region may be of any length that permits specific degradation of a desired target RNA through a RISC pathway, and may range from about 9 to 36 base pairs in length, e.g., about 15-30 base pairs in length, for example, about 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36 base pairs in length, such as about 15-30, 15-29, 15-28, 15-27, 15-26, 15-25, 15-24, 15-23, 15-22, 15-21, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 18-30, 18-29, 18-28, 18-27, 18-26, 18-25, 18-24, 18-23, 18-22, 18-21, 18-20, 19-30, 19-29, 19-28, 19-27, 19-26, 19-25, 19-24, 19-23, 19-22, 19-21, 19-20, 20-30, 20-29, 20-28, 20-27, 20-26, 20-25, 20-24, 20-23, 20-22, 20-21, 21-30, 21-29, 21-28, 21-27, 21-26, 21-25, 21-24, 21-23, or 21-22 base pairs in length. Ranges and lengths intermediate to the above recited ranges and lengths are also contemplated to be part of the invention.

The two strands forming the duplex structure may be different portions of one larger RNA molecule, or they may be separate RNA molecules. Where the two strands are part of one larger molecule, and therefore are connected by an uninterrupted chain of nucleotides between the 3′-end of one strand and the 5′-end of the respective other strand forming the duplex structure, the connecting RNA chain is referred to as a “hairpin loop.” A hairpin loop can comprise at least one unpaired nucleotide. In some embodiments, the hairpin loop can comprise at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 23 or more unpaired nucleotides. In some embodiments, the hairpin loop can be 10 or fewer nucleotides. In some embodiments, the hairpin loop can be 8 or fewer unpaired nucleotides. In some embodiments, the hairpin loop can be 4-10 unpaired nucleotides. In some embodiments, the hairpin loop can be 4-8 nucleotides.

Where the two substantially complementary strands of a dsRNA are comprised by separate RNA molecules, those molecules need not, but can be covalently connected. Where the two strands are connected covalently by means other than an uninterrupted chain of nucleotides between the 3′-end of one strand and the 5′-end of the respective other strand forming the duplex structure, the connecting structure is referred to as a “linker.” The RNA strands may have the same or a different number of nucleotides. The maximum number of base pairs is the number of nucleotides in the shortest strand of the dsRNA minus any overhangs that are present in the duplex. In addition to the duplex structure, an RNAi may comprise one or more nucleotide overhangs.

In certain embodiments, an iRNA agent of the invention is a dsRNA, each strand of which comprises 19-23 nucleotides, that interacts with a target RNA sequence, e.g., an XDH gene. Without wishing to be bound by theory, long double stranded RNA introduced into cells is broken down into siRNA by a Type III endonuclease known as Dicer (Sharp et al. (2001) Genes Dev. 15:485). Dicer, a ribonuclease-III-like enzyme, processes the dsRNA into 19-23 base pair short interfering RNAs with characteristic two base 3′ overhangs (Bernstein, et al., (2001) Nature 409:363). The siRNAs are then incorporated into an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) where one or more helicases unwind the siRNA duplex, enabling the complementary antisense strand to guide target recognition (Nykanen, et al., (2001) Cell 107:309). Upon binding to the appropriate target mRNA, one or more endonucleases within the RISC cleave the target to induce silencing (Elbashir, et al., (2001) Genes Dev. 15:188).

In some embodiments, an iRNA of the invention is a dsRNA of 24-30 nucleotides that interacts with a target RNA sequence, e.g., an XDH target mRNA sequence, to direct the cleavage of the target RNA. Without wishing to be bound by theory, long double stranded RNA introduced into cells is broken down into siRNA by a Type III endonuclease known as Dicer (Sharp et al. (2001) Genes Dev. 15:485). Dicer, a ribonuclease-III-like enzyme, processes the dsRNA into 19-23 base pair short interfering RNAs with characteristic two base 3′ overhangs (Bernstein, et al., (2001) Nature 409:363). The siRNAs are then incorporated into an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) where one or more helicases unwind the siRNA duplex, enabling the complementary antisense strand to guide target recognition (Nykanen, et al., (2001) Cell 107:309). Upon binding to the appropriate target mRNA, one or more endonucleases within the RISC cleave the target to induce silencing (Elbashir, et al., (2001) Genes Dev. 15:188).

As used herein, the term “nucleotide overhang” refers to at least one unpaired nucleotide that protrudes from the duplex structure of a double stranded iRNA. For example, when a 3′-end of one strand of a dsRNA extends beyond the 5′-end of the other strand, or vice versa, there is a nucleotide overhang. A dsRNA can comprise an overhang of at least one nucleotide; alternatively the overhang can comprise at least two nucleotides, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 nucleotides. In certain embodiments, the overhang can be at least three nucleotides, at least four nucleotides, at least five nucleotides or more. A nucleotide overhang can comprise or consist of a nucleotide/nucleoside analog, including a deoxynucleotide/nucleoside. The overhang(s) can be on the sense strand, the antisense strand, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the nucleotide(s) of an overhang can be present on the 5′-end, 3′-end, or both ends of either an antisense or sense strand of a dsRNA.

In certain embodiments, the antisense strand of a dsRNA has a 1-10 nucleotide, e.g., a 1-3, 1-4, 2-4, 1-5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 nucleotide, overhang at the 3′-end or the 5′-end. In certain embodiments, the overhang on the sense strand or the antisense strand, or both, can include extended lengths longer than 10 nucleotides, e.g., 1-30 nucleotides, 2-30 nucleotides, 10-30 nucleotides, or 10-15 nucleotides in length. In certain embodiments, an extended overhang is on the sense strand of the duplex. In certain embodiments, an extended overhang is present on the 3′end of the sense strand of the duplex. In certain embodiments, an extended overhang is present on the 5′end of the sense strand of the duplex. In certain embodiments, an extended overhang is on the antisense strand of the duplex.

In certain embodiments, an extended overhang is present on the 3′end of the antisense strand of the duplex. In certain embodiments, an extended overhang is present on the 5′end of the antisense strand of the duplex. In certain embodiments, one or more of the nucleotides in the overhang is replaced with a nucleoside thiophosphate.

“Blunt” or “blunt end” means that there are no unpaired nucleotides at that end of the double stranded RNAi agent, i.e., no nucleotide overhang. A “blunt ended” double stranded RNAi agent is double stranded over its entire length, i.e., no nucleotide overhang at either end of the molecule. The RNAi agents of the invention include RNAi agents with no nucleotide overhang at one end (i.e., agents with one overhang and one blunt end) or with no nucleotide overhangs at either end.

The term “antisense strand” or “guide strand” refers to the strand of an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA, which includes a region that is substantially complementary to a target sequence, e.g., an XDH mRNA. As used herein, the term “region of complementarity” refers to the region on the antisense strand that is substantially complementary to a sequence, for example a target sequence, e.g., an XDH nucleotide sequence, as defined herein. Where the region of complementarity is not fully complementary to the target sequence, the mismatches can be in the internal or terminal regions of the molecule. Generally, the most tolerated mismatches are in the terminal regions, e.g., within 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 nucleotides of the 5′- or 3′-end of the iRNA. In some embodiments, a double stranded RNAi agent of the invention includes a nucleotide mismatch in the antisense strand. In some embodiments, a double stranded RNAi agent of the invention includes a nucleotide mismatch in the sense strand. In some embodiments, the nucleotide mismatch is, for example, within 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 nucleotides from the 3′-end of the iRNA. In another embodiment, the nucleotide mismatch is, for example, in the 3′-terminal nucleotide of the iRNA.

The term “sense strand” or “passenger strand” as used herein, refers to the strand of an iRNA that includes a region that is substantially complementary to a region of the antisense strand as that term is defined herein.

As used herein, “substantially all of the nucleotides are modified” are largely but not wholly modified and can include not more than 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 unmodified nucleotides.

As used herein, the term “cleavage region” refers to a region that is located immediately adjacent to the cleavage site. The cleavage site is the site on the target at which cleavage occurs. In some embodiments, the cleavage region comprises three bases on either end of, and immediately adjacent to, the cleavage site. In some embodiments, the cleavage region comprises two bases on either end of, and immediately adjacent to, the cleavage site. In some embodiments, the cleavage site specifically occurs at the site bound by nucleotides 10 and 11 of the antisense strand, and the cleavage region comprises nucleotides 11, 12 and 13.

As used herein, and unless otherwise indicated, the term “complementary,” when used to describe a first nucleotide sequence in relation to a second nucleotide sequence, refers to the ability of an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising the first nucleotide sequence to hybridize and form a duplex structure under certain conditions with an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising the second nucleotide sequence, as will be understood by the skilled person. Such conditions can, for example, be stringent conditions, where stringent conditions can include: 400 mM NaCl, 40 mM PIPES pH 6.4, 1 mM EDTA, 50° C. or 70° C. for 12-16 hours followed by washing (see, e.g., “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Sambrook, et al. (1989) Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press). Other conditions, such as physiologically relevant conditions as can be encountered inside an organism, can apply. The skilled person will be able to determine the set of conditions most appropriate for a test of complementarity of two sequences in accordance with the ultimate application of the hybridized nucleotides.

Complementary sequences within an iRNA, e.g., within a dsRNA as described herein, include base-pairing of the oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising a first nucleotide sequence to an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising a second nucleotide sequence over the entire length of one or both nucleotide sequences. Such sequences can be referred to as “fully complementary” with respect to each other herein. However, where a first sequence is referred to as “substantially complementary” with respect to a second sequence herein, the two sequences can be fully complementary, or they can form one or more, but generally not more than 5, 4, 3, or 2 mismatched base pairs upon hybridization for a duplex up to 30 base pairs, while retaining the ability to hybridize under the conditions most relevant to their ultimate application, e.g., inhibition of gene expression via a RISC pathway. However, where two oligonucleotides are designed to form, upon hybridization, one or more single stranded overhangs, such overhangs shall not be regarded as mismatches with regard to the determination of complementarity. For example, a dsRNA comprising one oligonucleotide 21 nucleotides in length and another oligonucleotide 23 nucleotides in length, wherein the longer oligonucleotide comprises a sequence of 21 nucleotides that is fully complementary to the shorter oligonucleotide, can yet be referred to as “fully complementary” for the purposes described herein.

“Complementary” sequences, as used herein, can also include, or be formed entirely from, non-Watson-Crick base pairs or base pairs formed from non-natural and modified nucleotides, in so far as the above requirements with respect to their ability to hybridize are fulfilled. Such non-Watson-Crick base pairs include, but are not limited to, G:U Wobble or Hoogstein base pairing.

The terms “complementary,” “fully complementary,” and “substantially complementary” herein can be used with respect to the base matching between the sense strand and the antisense strand of a dsRNA, or between the antisense strand of a double stranded RNAi agent and a target sequence, as will be understood from the context of their use.

As used herein, a polynucleotide that is “substantially complementary to at least part of” a messenger RNA (mRNA) refers to a polynucleotide that is substantially complementary to a contiguous portion of the mRNA of interest (e.g., an mRNA encoding an XDH gene). For example, a polynucleotide is complementary to at least a part of an XDH mRNA if the sequence is substantially complementary to a non-interrupted portion of an mRNA encoding an XDH gene.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the antisense polynucleotides disclosed herein are fully complementary to the target XDH sequence. In some embodiments, the sense polynucleotides disclosed herein are fully complementary to the antisense sequence of a target XDH sequence.

In other embodiments, the antisense polynucleotides disclosed herein are substantially complementary to the target XDH sequence and comprise a contiguous nucleotide sequence which is at least about 80% complementary over its entire length to the equivalent region of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or 2, or a fragment of SEQ ID NO:1 or 2, such as about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about % 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% complementary.

In other embodiments, the sense polynucleotides disclosed herein are substantially complementary to the antisense sequence of a target XDH sequence and comprise a contiguous nucleotide sequence which is at least about 80% complementary over its entire length to the equivalent region of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, or a fragment of SEQ ID NO:2, such as about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about % 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% complementary.

In one embodiment, an RNAi agent of the invention includes a sense strand that is substantially complementary to an antisense polynucleotide which, in turn, is complementary to a target XDH sequence and comprises a contiguous nucleotide sequence which is at least about 80% complementary over its entire length to any one of the sense strand nucleotide sequences in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7, or a fragment of any one of the sense strand nucleotide sequences in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7, such as about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about % 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% complementary.

In some embodiments, an iRNA of the invention includes an antisense strand that is substantially complementary to the target XDH sequence and comprises a contiguous nucleotide sequence which is at least about 80% complementary over its entire length to the equivalent region of the nucleotide sequence of any one of the antisense strand nucleotide sequences in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7, or a fragment of any one of the antisense strand nucleotide sequences in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7, such as at least 85%, 90%, 95% complementary, or 100% complementary.

In an aspect of the invention, an agent for use in the methods and compositions of the invention is a single-stranded antisense oligonucleotide molecule that inhibits a target mRNA via an antisense inhibition mechanism. The single-stranded antisense oligonucleotide molecule is complementary to a sequence within the target mRNA. The single-stranded antisense oligonucleotides can inhibit translation in a stoichiometric manner by base pairing to the mRNA and physically obstructing the translation machinery, see Dias, N. et al., (2002) Mol Cancer Ther 1:347-355. The single-stranded antisense oligonucleotide molecule may be about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length and have a sequence that is complementary to a target sequence. For example, the single-stranded antisense oligonucleotide molecule may comprise a sequence that is at least about 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more contiguous nucleotides from any one of the antisense sequences described herein.

The phrase “contacting a cell with an iRNA,” such as a dsRNA, as used herein, includes contacting a cell by any possible means. Contacting a cell with an iRNA includes contacting a cell in vitro with the iRNA or contacting a cell in vivo with the iRNA. The contacting may be done directly or indirectly. Thus, for example, the iRNA may be put into physical contact with the cell by the individual performing the method, or alternatively, the iRNA may be put into a situation that will permit or cause it to subsequently come into contact with the cell.

Contacting a cell in vitro may be done, for example, by incubating the cell with the iRNA. Contacting a cell in vivo may be done, for example, by injecting the iRNA into or near the tissue where the cell is located, or by injecting the iRNA into another area, e.g., the bloodstream or the subcutaneous space, such that the agent will subsequently reach the tissue where the cell to be contacted is located. For example, the iRNA may contain or be coupled to a ligand, e.g., GalNAc3, that directs the iRNA to a site of interest, e.g., the liver. Combinations of in vitro and in vivo methods of contacting are also possible. For example, a cell may also be contacted in vitro with an iRNA and subsequently transplanted into a subject.

In certain embodiments, contacting a cell with an iRNA includes “introducing” or “delivering the iRNA into the cell” by facilitating or effecting uptake or absorption into the cell. Absorption or uptake of an iRNA can occur through unaided diffusion or active cellular processes, or by auxiliary agents or devices. Introducing an iRNA into a cell may be in vitro or in vivo. For example, for in vivo introduction, iRNA can be injected into a tissue site or administered systemically. In vivo delivery can also be done by a beta-glucan delivery system, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,032,401 and 5,607,677, and US Publication No. 2005/0281781, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. In vitro introduction into a cell includes methods known in the art such as electroporation and lipofection. Further approaches are described herein below or are known in the art.

The term “lipid nanoparticle” or “LNP” is a vesicle comprising a lipid layer encapsulating a pharmaceutically active molecule, such as a nucleic acid molecule, e.g., an iRNA or a plasmid from which an iRNA is transcribed. LNPs are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,858,225, 6,815,432, 8,158,601, and 8,058,069, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

As used herein, a “subject” is an animal, such as a mammal, including a primate (such as a human, a non-human primate, e.g., a monkey, and a chimpanzee), a non-primate (such as a cow, a pig, a camel, a llama, a horse, a goat, a rabbit, a sheep, a hamster, a guinea pig, a cat, a dog, a rat, a mouse, and a horse), or a bird (e.g., a duck or a goose) that expresses the target gene, either endogenously or heterologously. In certain embodiments, the subject is a human, such as a human being treated or assessed for a disease, disorder or condition that would benefit from reduction in XDH gene expression or replication; a human at risk for a disease, disorder or condition that would benefit from reduction in XDH gene expression; a human having a disease, disorder or condition that would benefit from reduction in XDH gene expression; or human being treated for a disease, disorder or condition that would benefit from reduction in XDH gene expression, as described herein. In some embodiments, the subject is a female human. In other embodiments, the subject is a male human.

As used herein, the terms “treating” or “treatment” refer to a beneficial or desired result including, but not limited to, alleviation or amelioration of one or more symptoms associated with XDH gene expression or XDH protein production, e.g., gout, NASH, or NAFLD. “Treatment” can also mean prolonging survival as compared to expected survival in the absence of treatment.

The term “lower” in the context of the level of XDH gene expression or XDH protein production in a subject, or a disease marker or symptom refers to a statistically significant decrease in such level. The decrease can be, for example, at least 20%, 25%, preferably at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, or below the level of detection for the detection method. In certain embodiments, the expression of the target is normalized, i.e., decreased to a level accepted as within the range of normal for an individual without such disorder. For example, chronic hyperuricemia is defined as serum urate levels greater than 6.8 mg/dl (greater than 360 mmol/), the level above which the physiological saturation threshold is exceeded (Mandell, Cleve. Clin. Med. 75:S5-S8, 2008). In certain embodiments, the reduction is the normalization of the level of a sign or symptom of a disease, a reduction in the difference between the subject level of a sign of the disease and the normal level of the sign for the disease (e.g., the upper level of normal when the level must be reduced to reach a normal level, and the lower level of normal when the level must be increased to reach a normal level). In certain embodiments, the methods include a clinically relevant inhibition of expression of XDH, e.g., as demonstrated by a clinically relevant outcome after treatment of a subject with an agent to reduce the expression of XDH.

As used herein, “prevention” or “preventing,” when used in reference to a disease, disorder, or condition, that would benefit from a reduction in expression of an XDH gene or production of XDH protein, i.e., a disease, disorder, or condition that would benefit from reduction of a chronically elevated uric acid level, refers to a reduction in the likelihood that a subject will develop a symptom associated with such a disease, disorder, or condition, e.g., a symptom of XDH gene expression, such as the presence of chronic elevated serum levels of uric acid, e.g., hyperuricemia, gout, NASH, NAFLD, metabolic disorder, or cardiovascular disease. The failure to develop a disease, disorder or condition, or the reduction in the development of a symptom or comorbidity associated with such a disease, disorder or condition (e.g., by at least about 10% on a clinically accepted scale for that disease or disorder), the exhibition of delayed symptoms or disease progression by days, weeks, months or years, or the reduction or maintenance of a serum uric acid level at 6.8 mg/dl or less in a subject prone to elevated serum uric acid is considered effective prevention. Prevention may require the administration of more than one dose.

As used herein, the term “xanthine dehydrogenase-associated disease” or “XDH-associated disease,” is a disease or disorder that is caused by, or associated with XDH gene expression or XDH protein production, e.g., a disease, disorder, or condition associated with chronic elevated levels of serum uric acid. The term “XDH-associated disease” includes a disease, disorder, or condition that would benefit from a decrease in XDH gene expression, replication, or protein activity. Non-limiting examples of XDH-associated diseases include, for example, hyperuricemia, gout, NAFLD, NASH, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and conditions linked to oxidative stress e.g., chronic low grade inflammation; or other XDH-associated disease.

In certain embodiments, an XDH-associated disease is gout. In certain embodiments, an XDH-associated disease is NASH or NAFLD.

As used herein, “chronic renal insufficiency” or “chronic kidney disease” is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. Chronic kidney disease is commonly caused by high blood pressure or diabetes, but may result from other diseases or conditions such as lupus or may be caused by medications that have renal toxicity.

“Glomerulonephritis” includes a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the kidney's filtering units. Inherited diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease, which causes large cysts to form in the kidneys and damage the surrounding tissue.

Congenital structural malformation of the kidneys, kidney stones or other obstructions (e.g., enlarged prostate) can result in chronic kidney disease.

Without being bound by mechanism, reduced kidney function can result in impaired renal clearance of uric acid. Kidney function is typically assessed by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) which is calculated based on blood creatinine level, age, body size, and gender. A lower GFR is indicative of lower kidney function. Kidney disease is typically diagnosed with a GFR of less than 60 for at least three months or a GFR of 60 or less with high protein in the urine is diagnostic of chronic kidney disease. However, a GFR of less than 90 is indicative of kidney damage with mild loss of kidney function.

“Therapeutically effective amount,” as used herein, is intended to include the amount of an iRNA that, when administered to a patient for treating a subject having hyperuricemia, gout, NAFLD, NASH, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and conditions linked to oxidative stress, e.g., chronic low grade inflammation; or other XDH-associated disease, is sufficient to effect treatment of the disease (e.g., by diminishing, ameliorating or maintaining the existing disease or one or more symptoms of disease or its related comorbidities). The “therapeutically effective amount” may vary depending on the iRNA, how it is administered, the disease and its severity and the history, age, weight, family history, genetic makeup, stage of pathological processes mediated by XDH gene expression, the types of preceding or concomitant treatments, if any, and other individual characteristics of the patient to be treated. Treatment may require the administration of more than one dose.

As used herein, a therapeutically effective amount is sufficient to result in a clinically relevant lowering of chronic serum uric acid level in a subject and does not necessarily require the lowering of the chronic serum uric acid level to below 6.8 mg/dl. In certain embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of an iRNA will lower the chronic uric acid of a subject to 6.8 mg/dl of uric acid or less, e.g., to 6 mg/dl or less, and optionally no lower than about 2 mg/dl. Studies of subjects with inherited disorders associated with profound, lifelong hypouricemia indicate that maintaining serum uric acid near or below 2 mg/dl is safe (Hershfeld, Curr. Opin. Rheumatol. 21:138-142, 2009).

“Prophylactically effective amount,” as used herein, is intended to include the amount of an iRNA that, when administered to a subject who does not yet experience or display symptoms of hyperuricemia, gout, NAFLD, NASH, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and conditions linked to oxidative stress, e.g., chronic low grade inflammation; or other XDH-associated disease, but who may be predisposed to an XDH-associated disease, is sufficient to prevent or delay the development or progression of the disease or one or more symptoms of the disease for a clinically significant period of time, e.g., to lower a chronically elevated serum uric acid level, to prevent an increase in chronic serum uric acid level or to maintain a uric acid level below 6.8 mg/dl in a subject prone to elevated chronic serum uric acid level. The “prophylactically effective amount” may vary depending on the iRNA, how it is administered, the degree of risk of disease, and the history, age, weight, family history, genetic makeup, the types of preceding or concomitant treatments, if any, and other individual characteristics of the patient to be treated.

A “therapeutically-effective amount” or “prophylacticaly effective amount” also includes an amount of an iRNA that produces some desired local or systemic effect at a reasonable benefit/risk ratio applicable to any treatment. iRNAs employed in the methods of the present invention may be administered in a sufficient amount to produce a reasonable benefit/risk ratio applicable to such treatment. For example, in certain embodiments, treatment with the iRNAs of the invention will result in serum uric acid levels at 2-6.8 mg/dl, preferably 2-6 mg/dl in subjects. Maintenance of such uric acid levels will treat or prevent XDH-associated diseases.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” is employed herein to refer to those compounds, materials, compositions, or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human subjects and animal subjects without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.

The phrase “pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier” as used herein means a pharmaceutically-acceptable material, composition, or vehicle, such as a liquid or solid filler, diluent, excipient, manufacturing aid (e.g., lubricant, talc magnesium, calcium or zinc stearate, or steric acid), or solvent encapsulating material, involved in carrying or transporting the subject compound from one organ, or portion of the body, to another organ, or portion of the body. Each carrier must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not injurious to the subject being treated. Some examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers include: (1) sugars, such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; (2) starches, such as corn starch and potato starch; (3) cellulose, and its derivatives, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; (4) powdered tragacanth; (5) malt; (6) gelatin; (7) lubricating agents, such as magnesium state, sodium lauryl sulfate and talc; (8) excipients, such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; (9) oils, such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; (10) glycols, such as propylene glycol; (11) polyols, such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; (12) esters, such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; (13) agar; (14) buffering agents, such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; (15) alginic acid; (16) pyrogen-free water; (17) isotonic saline; (18) Ringer's solution; (19) ethyl alcohol; (20) pH buffered solutions; (21) polyesters, polycarbonates or polyanhydrides; (22) bulking agents, such as polypeptides and amino acids (23) serum component, such as serum albumin, HDL and LDL; and (22) other non-toxic compatible substances employed in pharmaceutical formulations.

The term “sample,” as used herein, includes a collection of similar fluids, cells, or tissues isolated from a subject, as well as fluids, cells, or tissues present within a subject. Examples of biological fluids include blood, serum and serosal fluids, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, ocular fluids, lymph, urine, saliva, and the like. Tissue samples may include samples from tissues, organs, or localized regions. For example, samples may be derived from particular organs, parts of organs, or fluids or cells within those organs. In certain embodiments, samples may be derived from the liver (e.g., whole liver or certain segments of liver or certain types of cells in the liver, such as, e.g., hepatocytes). A “sample derived from a subject” can refer to blood drawn from the subject or plasma derived therefrom.

I. iRNAs of the Invention

The present invention provides iRNAs which inhibit the expression of an XDH gene. In preferred embodiments, the iRNA is a double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) molecule for inhibiting the expression of an XDH gene in a cell, such as a cell within a subject, e.g., a mammal, such as a human having an XDH-associated disease, e.g., hyperuricemia, gout. The dsRNA agent includes an antisense strand having a region of complementarity which is complementary to at least a part of an mRNA formed in the expression of an XDH gene. The region of complementarity is about 30 nucleotides or less in length (e.g., about 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, or 18 nucleotides or less in length). Upon contact with a cell expressing the XDH gene, the iRNA inhibits the expression of the XDH gene (e.g., a human, a primate, a non-primate, or a bird XDH gene) by at least about 20% as assayed by, for example, a PCR or branched DNA (bDNA)-based method, or by a protein-based method, such as by immunofluorescence analysis, using, for example, western blotting or flow cytometric techniques. In preferred embodiments, inhibition of expression is determined by the qPCR method provided in the examples. For in vitro assessment of activity, percent inhibition is determined using the methods provided in Example 2 at a single dose at a 10 nM duplex final concentration. For in vivo studies, the level after treatment can be compared to, for example, an appropriate historical control or a pooled population sample control to determine the level of reduction, e.g., when a baseline value is not available for the subject.

A dsRNA agent includes two RNA strands that are complementary and hybridize to form a duplex structure under conditions in which the dsRNA will be used. One strand of a dsRNA (the antisense strand) includes a region of complementarity that is substantially complementary, and generally fully complementary, to a target sequence. The target sequence can be derived from the sequence of an mRNA formed during the expression of an XDH gene. The other strand (the sense strand) includes a region that is complementary to the antisense strand, such that the two strands hybridize and form a duplex structure when combined under suitable conditions. As described elsewhere herein and as known in the art, the complementary sequences of a dsRNA can also be contained as self-complementary regions of a single nucleic acid molecule, as opposed to being on separate oligonucleotides.

Generally, the duplex structure is 15 to 30 base pairs in length, e.g., 15-29, 15-28, 15-27, 15-26, 15-25, 15-24, 15-23, 15-22, 15-21, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 18-30, 18-29, 18-28, 18-27, 18-26, 18-25, 18-24, 18-23, 18-22, 18-21, 18-20, 19-30, 19-29, 19-28, 19-27, 19-26, 19-25, 19-24, 19-23, 19-22, 19-21, 19-20, 20-30, 20-29, 20-28, 20-27, 20-26, 20-25, 20-24, 20-23, 20-22, 20-21, 21-30, 21-29, 21-28, 21-27, 21-26, 21-25, 21-24, 21-23, or 21-22 base pairs in length. Ranges and lengths intermediate to the above recited ranges and lengths are also contemplated to be part of the invention.

Similarly, the region of complementarity to the target sequence may be 15 to 30 nucleotides in length, e.g., 15-29, 15-28, 15-27, 15-26, 15-25, 15-24, 15-23, 15-22, 15-21, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 18-30, 18-29, 18-28, 18-27, 18-26, 18-25, 18-24, 18-23, 18-22, 18-21, 18-20, 19-30, 19-29, 19-28, 19-27, 19-26, 19-25, 19-24, 19-23, 19-22, 19-21, 19-20, 20-30, 20-29, 20-28, 20-27, 20-26, 20-25, 20-24, 20-23, 20-22, 20-21, 21-30, 21-29, 21-28, 21-27, 21-26, 21-25, 21-24, 21-23, or 21-22 nucleotides in length. Ranges and lengths intermediate to the above recited ranges and lengths are also contemplated to be part of the invention.

In some embodiments, the dsRNA is about 15 to 23 nucleotides in length, or about 25 to 30 nucleotides in length. In general, the dsRNA is long enough to serve as a substrate for the Dicer enzyme. For example, it is well-known in the art that dsRNAs longer than about 21-23 nucleotides in length may serve as substrates for Dicer. As the ordinarily skilled person will also recognize, the region of an RNA targeted for cleavage will most often be part of a larger RNA molecule, often an mRNA molecule. Where relevant, a “part” of an mRNA target is a contiguous sequence of an mRNA target of sufficient length to allow it to be a substrate for RNAi-directed cleavage (i.e., cleavage through a RISC pathway).

One of skill in the art will also recognize that the duplex region is a primary functional portion of a dsRNA, e.g., a duplex region of about 9 to about 36 base pairs, e.g., about 10-36, 11-36, 12-36, 13-36, 14-36, 15-36, 9-35, 10-35, 11-35, 12-35, 13-35, 14-35, 15-35, 9-34, 10-34, 11-34, 12-34, 13-34, 14-34, 15-34, 9-33, 10-33, 11-33, 12-33, 13-33, 14-33, 15-33, 9-32, 10-32, 11-32, 12-32, 13-32, 14-32, 15-32, 9-31, 10-31, 11-31, 12-31, 13-32, 14-31, 15-31, 15-30, 15-29, 15-28, 15-27, 15-26, 15-25, 15-24, 15-23, 15-22, 15-21, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 18-30, 18-29, 18-28, 18-27, 18-26, 18-25, 18-24, 18-23, 18-22, 18-21, 18-20, 19-30, 19-29, 19-28, 19-27, 19-26, 19-25, 19-24, 19-23, 19-22, 19-21, 19-20, 20-30, 20-29, 20-28, 20-27, 20-26, 20-25, 20-24, 20-23, 20-22, 20-21, 21-30, 21-29, 21-28, 21-27, 21-26, 21-25, 21-24, 21-23, or 21-22 base pairs. Thus, in one embodiment, to the extent that it becomes processed to a functional duplex, of e.g., 15-30 base pairs, that targets a desired RNA for cleavage, an RNA molecule or complex of RNA molecules having a duplex region greater than 30 base pairs is a dsRNA. Thus, an ordinarily skilled artisan will recognize that in one embodiment, a miRNA is a dsRNA. In another embodiment, a dsRNA is not a naturally occurring miRNA. In another embodiment, an iRNA agent useful to target XDH gene expression is not generated in the target cell by cleavage of a larger dsRNA.

A dsRNA as described herein can further include one or more single-stranded nucleotide overhangs e.g., 1-4, 2-4, 1-3, 2-3, 1, 2, 3, or 4 nucleotides. dsRNAs having at least one nucleotide overhang can have superior inhibitory properties relative to their blunt-ended counterparts. A nucleotide overhang can comprise or consist of a nucleotide/nucleoside analog, including a deoxynucleotide/nucleoside. The overhang(s) can be on the sense strand, the antisense strand, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the nucleotide(s) of an overhang can be present on the 5′-end, 3′-end, or both ends of an antisense or sense strand of a dsRNA.

A dsRNA can be synthesized by standard methods known in the art as further discussed below, e.g., by use of an automated DNA synthesizer, such as are commercially available from, for example, Biosearch, Applied Biosystems, Inc.

Double stranded RNAi compounds of the invention may be prepared using a two-step procedure. First, the individual strands of the double stranded RNA molecule are prepared separately. Then, the component strands are annealed. The individual strands of the siRNA compound can be prepared using solution-phase or solid-phase organic synthesis or both. Organic synthesis offers the advantage that the oligonucleotide strands comprising unnatural or modified nucleotides can be easily prepared. Similarly, single-stranded oligonucleotides of the invention can be prepared using solution-phase or solid-phase organic synthesis or both.

In an aspect, a dsRNA of the invention includes at least two nucleotide sequences, a sense sequence and an antisense sequence. The sense strand is selected from the group of sequences provided in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7, and the corresponding antisense strand of the sense strand is selected from the group of sequences of any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7. In this aspect, one of the two sequences is complementary to the other of the two sequences, with one of the sequences being substantially complementary to a sequence of an mRNA generated in the expression of an XDH gene. As such, in this aspect, a dsRNA will include two oligonucleotides, where one oligonucleotide is described as the sense strand in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7, and the second oligonucleotide is described as the corresponding antisense strand of the sense strand in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7. In certain embodiments, the substantially complementary sequences of the dsRNA are contained on separate oligonucleotides. In other embodiments, the substantially complementary sequences of the dsRNA are contained on a single oligonucleotide.

It will be understood that, although some of the sequences in Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7 are described as modified and/or conjugated sequences, the RNA of the iRNA of the invention e.g., a dsRNA of the invention, may comprise any one of the sequences set forth in Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7 that is un-modified, un-conjugated, and/or modified and/or conjugated differently than described therein.

The skilled person is well aware that dsRNAs having a duplex structure of about 20 to 23 base pairs, e.g., 21, base pairs have been hailed as particularly effective in inducing RNA interference (Elbashir et al., EMBO 2001, 20:6877-6888). However, others have found that shorter or longer RNA duplex structures can also be effective (Chu and Rana (2007) RNA 14:1714-1719; Kim et al. (2005) Nat Biotech 23:222-226). In the embodiments described above, by virtue of the nature of the oligonucleotide sequences provided in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7, dsRNAs described herein can include at least one strand of a length of minimally 21 nucleotides. It can be reasonably expected that shorter duplexes having one of the sequences of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7 minus only a few nucleotides on one or both ends can be similarly effective as compared to the dsRNAs described above. Hence, dsRNAs having a sequence of at least 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more contiguous nucleotides derived from one of the sequences of Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7, and differing in their ability to inhibit the expression of an XDH gene by not more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30% inhibition from a dsRNA comprising the full sequence, are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

In addition, the RNAs provided in Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7 identify a site(s) in an XDH transcript that is susceptible to RISC-mediated cleavage. As such, the present invention further features iRNAs that target within one of these sites. As used herein, an iRNA is said to target within a particular site of an RNA transcript if the iRNA promotes cleavage of the transcript anywhere within that particular site. Such an iRNA will generally include at least about 15 contiguous nucleotides from one of the sequences provided in Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7 coupled to additional nucleotide sequences taken from the region contiguous to the selected sequence in an XDH gene.

While a target sequence is generally about 15-30 nucleotides in length, there is wide variation in the suitability of particular sequences in this range for directing cleavage of any given target RNA. Various software packages and the guidelines set out herein provide guidance for the identification of optimal target sequences for any given gene target, but an empirical approach can also be taken in which a “window” or “mask” of a given size (as a non-limiting example, 21 nucleotides) is literally or figuratively (including, e.g., in silico) placed on the target RNA sequence to identify sequences in the size range that can serve as target sequences. By moving the sequence “window” progressively one nucleotide upstream or downstream of an initial target sequence location, the next potential target sequence can be identified, until the complete set of possible sequences is identified for any given target size selected. This process, coupled with systematic synthesis and testing of the identified sequences (using assays as described herein or as known in the art or provided herein) to identify those sequences that perform optimally can identify those RNA sequences that, when targeted with an iRNA agent, mediate the best inhibition of target gene expression. Thus, while the sequences identified, for example, in Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7 represent effective target sequences, it is contemplated that further optimization of inhibition efficiency can be achieved by progressively “walking the window” one nucleotide upstream or downstream of the given sequences to identify sequences with equal or better inhibition characteristics.

Further, it is contemplated that for any sequence identified, e.g., in Tables 3, 4, 6 and 7, further optimization could be achieved by systematically either adding or removing nucleotides to generate longer or shorter sequences and testing those sequences generated by walking a window of the longer or shorter size up or down the target RNA from that point. Again, coupling this approach to generating new candidate targets with testing for effectiveness of iRNAs based on those target sequences in an inhibition assay as known in the art or as described herein can lead to further improvements in the efficiency of inhibition. Further still, such optimized sequences can be adjusted by, e.g., the introduction of modified nucleotides as described herein or as known in the art, addition or changes in overhang, or other modifications as known in the art or discussed herein to further optimize the molecule (e.g., increasing serum stability or circulating half-life, increasing thermal stability, enhancing transmembrane delivery, targeting to a particular location or cell type, increasing interaction with silencing pathway enzymes, increasing release from endosomes) as an expression inhibitor.

An iRNA as described herein can contain one or more mismatches to the target sequence. In one embodiment, an iRNA as described herein contains no more than 3 mismatches. If the antisense strand of the iRNA contains mismatches to a target sequence, it is preferable that the area of mismatch is not located in the center of the region of complementarity. If the antisense strand of the iRNA contains mismatches to the target sequence, it is preferable that the mismatch be restricted to be within the last 5 nucleotides from either the 5′- or 3′-end of the region of complementarity. For example, for a 23 nucleotide iRNA agent the strand which is complementary to a region of an XDH gene, generally does not contain any mismatch within the central 13 nucleotides. The methods described herein or methods known in the art can be used to determine whether an iRNA containing a mismatch to a target sequence is effective in inhibiting the expression of an XDH gene. Consideration of the efficacy of iRNAs with mismatches in inhibiting expression of an XDH gene is important, especially if the particular region of complementarity in an XDH gene is known to have polymorphic sequence variation within the population.

II. Modified iRNAs of the Invention

In certain embodiments, the RNA of the iRNA of the invention e.g., a dsRNA, is un-modified, and does not comprise, e.g., chemical modifications or conjugations known in the art and described herein. In other embodiments, the RNA of an iRNA of the invention, e.g., a dsRNA, is chemically modified to enhance stability or other beneficial characteristics. In certain embodiments of the invention, substantially all of the nucleotides of an iRNA of the invention are modified. In other embodiments of the invention, all of the nucleotides of an iRNA or substantially all of the nucleotides of an iRNA are modified, i.e., not more than 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 unmodified nucleotides are present in a strand of the iRNA.

The nucleic acids featured in the invention can be synthesized or modified by methods well established in the art, such as those described in “Current protocols in nucleic acid chemistry,” Beaucage, S. L. et al. (Edrs.), John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, N.Y., USA, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Modifications include, for example, end modifications, e.g., 5′-end modifications (phosphorylation, conjugation, inverted linkages) or 3′-end modifications (conjugation, DNA nucleotides, inverted linkages, etc.); base modifications, e.g., replacement with stabilizing bases, destabilizing bases, or bases that base pair with an expanded repertoire of partners, removal of bases (abasic nucleotides), or conjugated bases; sugar modifications (e.g., at the 2′-position or 4′-position) or replacement of the sugar; or backbone modifications, including modification or replacement of the phosphodiester linkages. Specific examples of iRNA compounds useful in the embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to RNAs containing modified backbones or no natural internucleoside linkages. RNAs having modified backbones include, among others, those that do not have a phosphorus atom in the backbone. For the purposes of this specification, and as sometimes referenced in the art, modified RNAs that do not have a phosphorus atom in their internucleoside backbone can also be considered to be oligonucleosides. In some embodiments, a modified iRNA will have a phosphorus atom in its internucleoside backbone.

Modified RNA backbones include, for example, phosphorothioates, chiral phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, phosphotriesters, aminoalkylphosphotriesters, methyl and other alkyl phosphonates including 3′-alkylene phosphonates and chiral phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphoramidates including 3′-amino phosphoramidate and aminoalkylphosphoramidates, thionophosphoramidates, thionoalkylphosphonates, thionoalkylphosphotriesters, and boranophosphates having normal 3′-5′ linkages, 2′-5′-linked analogs of these, and those having inverted polarity wherein the adjacent pairs of nucleoside units are linked 3′-5′ to 5′-3′ or 2′-5′ to 5′-2′. Various salts, mixed salts and free acid forms are also included.

Representative US Patents that teach the preparation of the above phosphorus-containing linkages include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,687,808; 4,469,863; 4,476,301; 5,023,243; 5,177,195; 5,188,897; 5,264,423; 5,276,019; 5,278,302; 5,286,717; 5,321,131; 5,399,676; 5,405,939; 5,453,496; 5,455,233; 5,466,677; 5,476,925; 5,519,126; 5,536,821; 5,541,316; 5,550,111; 5,563,253; 5,571,799; 5,587,361; 5,625,050; 6,028,188; 6,124,445; 6,160,109; 6,169,170; 6,172,209; 6,239,265; 6,277,603; 6,326,199; 6,346,614; 6,444,423; 6,531,590; 6,534,639; 6,608,035; 6,683,167; 6,858,715; 6,867,294; 6,878,805; 7,015,315; 7,041,816; 7,273,933; 7,321,029; and U.S. Pat. RE39464, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Modified RNA backbones that do not include a phosphorus atom therein have backbones that are formed by short chain alkyl or cycloalkyl internucleoside linkages, mixed heteroatoms and alkyl or cycloalkyl internucleoside linkages, or one or more short chain heteroatomic or heterocyclic internucleoside linkages. These include those having morpholino linkages (formed in part from the sugar portion of a nucleoside); siloxane backbones; sulfide, sulfoxide and sulfone backbones; formacetyl and thioformacetyl backbones; methylene formacetyl and thioformacetyl backbones; alkene containing backbones; sulfamate backbones; methyleneimino and methylenehydrazino backbones; sulfonate and sulfonamide backbones; amide backbones; and others having mixed N, O, S, and CH₂ component parts.

Representative US Patents that teach the preparation of the above oligonucleosides include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,034,506; 5,166,315; 5,185,444; 5,214,134; 5,216,141; 5,235,033; 5,64,562; 5,264,564; 5,405,938; 5,434,257; 5,466,677; 5,470,967; 5,489,677; 5,541,307; 5,561,225; 5,596,086; 5,602,240; 5,608,046; 5,610,289; 5,618,704; 5,623,070; 5,663,312; 5,633,360; 5,677,437; and 5,677,439, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable RNA mimetics are contemplated for use in iRNAs provided herein, in which both the sugar and the internucleoside linkage, i.e., the backbone, of the nucleotide units are replaced with novel groups. The base units are maintained for hybridization with an appropriate nucleic acid target compound. One such oligomeric compound in which an RNA mimetic that has been shown to have excellent hybridization properties is referred to as a peptide nucleic acid (PNA). In PNA compounds, the sugar backbone of an RNA is replaced with an amide containing backbone, in particular an aminoethylglycine backbone. The nucleobases are retained and are bound directly or indirectly to aza nitrogen atoms of the amide portion of the backbone. Representative US patents that teach the preparation of PNA compounds include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,539,082; 5,714,331; and 5,719,262, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Additional PNA compounds suitable for use in the iRNAs of the invention are described in, for example, in Nielsen et al., Science, 1991, 254, 1497-1500.

Some embodiments featured in the invention include RNAs with phosphorothioate backbones and oligonucleosides with heteroatom backbones, and in particular —CH₂—NH—CH₂—, —CH₂—N(CH₃)—O—CH₂— [known as a methylene (methylimino) or MMI backbone], —CH₂—O—N(CH₃)—CH₂—, —CH₂—N(CH₃)—N(CH₃)—CH₂— and —N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—[wherein the native phosphodiester backbone is represented as —O—P—O—CH₂—] of the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,677, and the amide backbones of the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,240. In some embodiments, the RNAs featured herein have morpholino backbone structures of the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,506.

Modified RNAs can also contain one or more substituted sugar moieties. The iRNAs, e.g., dsRNAs, featured herein can include one of the following at the 2′-position: OH; F; O—, S—, or N-alkyl; O—, S—, or N-alkenyl; O—, S- or N-alkynyl; or O-alkyl-O-alkyl, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl can be substituted or unsubstituted C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl or C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl and alkynyl. Exemplary suitable modifications include O[(CH₂)_(n)O]_(m)CH₃, O(CH₂)._(n)OCH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)NH₂, O(CH₂)_(n)CH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)ONH₂, and O(CH₂)_(n)ON[(CH₂)_(n)CH₃)]₂, where n and m are from 1 to about 10. In other embodiments, dsRNAs include one of the following at the 2′ position: C₁ to C₁₀ lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, O-alkaryl or O-aralkyl, SH, SCH₃, OCN, Cl, Br, CN, CF₃, OCF₃, SOCH₃, SO₂CH₃, ONO₂, NO₂, N₃, NH₂, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalkylamino, substituted silyl, an RNA cleaving group, a reporter group, an intercalator, a group for improving the pharmacokinetic properties of an iRNA, or a group for improving the pharmacodynamic properties of an iRNA, and other substituents having similar properties. In some embodiments, the modification includes a 2′-methoxyethoxy (2′-O—CH₂CH₂OCH₃, also known as 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl) or 2′-MOE) (Martin et al., Helv. Chim. Acta, 1995, 78:486-504) i.e., an alkoxy-alkoxy group. Another exemplary modification is 2′-dimethylaminooxyethoxy, i.e., a O(CH₂)₂ON(CH₃)₂ group, also known as 2′-DMAOE, as described in examples herein below, and 2′-dimethylaminoethoxyethoxy (also known in the art as 2′-O-dimethylaminoethoxyethyl or 2′-DMAEOE), i.e., 2′-O—CH₂—O—CH₂—N(CH₂)₂. Further exemplary modifications include: 5′-Me-2′-F nucleotides, 5′-Me-2′-OMe nucleotides, 5′-Me-2′-deoxynucleotides, (both R and S isomers in these three families); 2′-alkoxyalkyl; and 2′-NMA (N-methylacetamide).

Other modifications include 2′-methoxy (2′-OCH₃), 2′-aminopropoxy (2′-OCH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂) and 2′-fluoro (2′-F). Similar modifications can also be made at other positions on the RNA of an iRNA, particularly the 3′ position of the sugar on the 3′ terminal nucleotide or in 2′-5′ linked dsRNAs and the 5′ position of 5′ terminal nucleotide. iRNAs can also have sugar mimetics such as cyclobutyl moieties in place of the pentofuranosyl sugar. Representative US patents that teach the preparation of such modified sugar structures include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,981,957; 5,118,800; 5,319,080; 5,359,044; 5,393,878; 5,446,137; 5,466,786; 5,514,785; 5,519,134; 5,567,811; 5,576,427; 5,591,722; 5,597,909; 5,610,300; 5,627,053; 5,639,873; 5,646,265; 5,658,873; 5,670,633; and 5,700,920, certain of which are commonly owned with the instant application. The entire contents of each of the foregoing are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

An iRNA can also include nucleobase (often referred to in the art simply as “base”) modifications or substitutions. As used herein, “unmodified” or “natural” nucleobases include the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine (G), and the pyrimidine bases thymine (T), cytosine (C), and uracil (U). Modified nucleobases include other synthetic and natural nucleobases such as deoxy-thymine (dT), 5-methylcytosine (5-me-C), 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, 2-aminoadenine, 6-methyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-propyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-thiouracil, 2-thiothymine and 2-thiocytosine, 5-halouracil and cytosine, 5-propynyl uracil and cytosine, 6-azo uracil, cytosine and thymine, 5-uracil (pseudouracil), 4-thiouracil, 8-halo, 8-amino, 8-thiol, 8-thioalkyl, 8-hydroxyl anal other 8-substituted adenines and guanines, 5-halo, particularly 5-bromo, 5-trifluoromethyl and other 5-substituted uracils and cytosines, 7-methylguanine and 7-methyladenine, 8-azaguanine and 8-azaadenine, 7-deazaguanine and 7-daazaadenine and 3-deazaguanine and 3-deazaadenine. Further nucleobases include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,808, those disclosed in Modified Nucleosides in Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Medicine, Herdewijn, P. ed. Wiley-VCH, 2008; those disclosed in The Concise Encyclopedia Of Polymer Science And Engineering, pages 858-859, Kroschwitz, J. L, ed. John Wiley & Sons, 1990, these disclosed by Englisch et al., Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 1991, 30, 613, and those disclosed by Sanghvi, Y S., Chapter 15, dsRNA Research and Applications, pages 289-302, Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B., Ed., CRC Press, 1993. Certain of these nucleobases are particularly useful for increasing the binding affinity of the oligomeric compounds featured in the invention. These include 5-substituted pyrimidines, 6-azapyrimidines and N-2, N-6 and 0-6 substituted purines, including 2-aminopropyladenine, 5-propynyluracil and 5-propynylcytosine. 5-methylcytosine substitutions have been shown to increase nucleic acid duplex stability by 0.6-1.2° C. (Sanghvi, Y. S., Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B., Eds., dsRNA Research and Applications, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1993, pp. 276-278) and are exemplary base substitutions, even more particularly when combined with 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugar modifications.

Representative US Patents that teach the preparation of certain of the above noted modified nucleobases as well as other modified nucleobases include, but are not limited to, the above noted U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,687,808, 4,845,205; 5,130,30; 5,134,066; 5,175,273; 5,367,066; 5,432,272; 5,457,187; 5,459,255; 5,484,908; 5,502,177; 5,525,711; 5,552,540; 5,587,469; 5,594,121, 5,596,091; 5,614,617; 5,681,941; 5,750,692; 6,015,886; 6,147,200; 6,166,197; 6,222,025; 6,235,887; 6,380,368; 6,528,640; 6,639,062; 6,617,438; 7,045,610; 7,427,672; and 7,495,088, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The RNA of an iRNA can also be modified to include one or more locked nucleic acids (LNA). A locked nucleic acid is a nucleotide having a modified ribose moiety in which the ribose moiety comprises an extra bridge connecting the 2′ and 4′ carbons. This structure effectively “locks” the ribose in the 3′-endo structural conformation. The addition of locked nucleic acids to siRNAs has been shown to increase siRNA stability in serum, and to reduce off-target effects (Elmen, J. et al., (2005) Nucleic Acids Research 33(1):439-447; Mook, O R. et al., (2007) Mol Canc Ther 6(3):833-843; Grunweller, A. et al., (2003) Nucleic Acids Research 31(12):3185-3193).

In some embodiments, the iRNA of the invention comprises one or more monomers that are UNA (unlocked nucleic acid) nucleotides. UNA is unlocked acyclic nucleic acid, wherein any of the bonds of the sugar has been removed, forming an unlocked “sugar” residue. In one example, UNA also encompasses monomer with bonds between C1′-C4′ have been removed (i.e. the covalent carbon-oxygen-carbon bond between the C1′ and C4′ carbons). In another example, the C2′-C3′ bond (i.e. the covalent carbon-carbon bond between the C2′ and C3′ carbons) of the sugar has been removed (see Nuc. Acids Symp. Series, 52, 133-134 (2008) and Fluiter et al., Mol. Biosyst., 2009, 10, 1039 hereby incorporated by reference).

The RNA of an iRNA can also be modified to include one or more bicyclic sugar moities. A “bicyclic sugar” is a furanosyl ring modified by the bridging of two atoms. A“bicyclic nucleoside” (“BNA”) is a nucleoside having a sugar moiety comprising a bridge connecting two carbon atoms of the sugar ring, thereby forming a bicyclic ring system. In certain embodiments, the bridge connects the 4′-carbon and the 2′-carbon of the sugar ring. Thus, in some embodiments an agent of the invention may include one or more locked nucleic acids (LNA). A locked nucleic acid is a nucleotide having a modified ribose moiety in which the ribose moiety comprises an extra bridge connecting the 2′ and 4′ carbons. In other words, an LNA is a nucleotide comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety comprising a 4′-CH₂—O-2′ bridge. This structure effectively “locks” the ribose in the 3′-endo structural conformation. The addition of locked nucleic acids to siRNAs has been shown to increase siRNA stability in serum, and to reduce off-target effects (Elmen, J. et al., (2005) Nucleic Acids Research 33(1):439-447; Mook, O R. et al., (2007) Mol Canc Ther 6(3):833-843; Grunweller, A. et al., (2003) Nucleic Acids Research 31(12):3185-3193). Examples of bicyclic nucleosides for use in the polynucleotides of the invention include without limitation nucleosides comprising a bridge between the 4′ and the 2′ ribosyl ring atoms. In certain embodiments, the antisense polynucleotide agents of the invention include one or more bicyclic nucleosides comprising a 4′ to 2′ bridge. Examples of such 4′ to 2′ bridged bicyclic nucleosides, include but are not limited to 4′-(CH₂)—O-2′ (LNA); 4′-(CH₂)—S-2′; 4′-(CH₂)₂—O-2′ (ENA); 4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′ (also referred to as “constrained ethyl” or “cEt”) and 4′-CH(CH₂OCH₃)—O-2′ (and analogs thereof; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,399,845); 4′-C(CH₃)(CH₃)—O-2′ (and analogs thereof; see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,278,283); 4′-CH₂—N(OCH₃)-2′ (and analogs thereof; see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,278,425); 4′-CH₂—O—N(CH₃)-2′ (see, e.g., US Patent Publication No. 2004/0171570); 4′-CH₂—N(R)—O-2′, wherein R is H, C1-C12 alkyl, or a protecting group (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,427,672); 4′-CH₂—C(H)(CH₃)-2′ (see, e.g., Chattopadhyaya et al., J. Org. Chem., 2009, 74, 118-134); and 4′-CH₂—C(—CH₂)—2′ (and analogs thereof; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,278,426). The entire contents of each of the foregoing are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Additional representative US Patents and US Patent Publications that teach the preparation of locked nucleic acid nucleotides include, but are not limited to, the following: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,268,490; 6,525,191; 6,670,461; 6,770,748; 6,794,499; 6,998,484; 7,053,207; 7,034,133; 7,084,125; 7,399,845; 7,427,672; 7,569,686; 7,741,457; 8,022,193; 8,030,467; 8,278,425; 8,278,426; 8,278,283; US 2008/0039618; and US 2009/0012281, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Any of the foregoing bicyclic nucleosides can be prepared having one or more stereochemical sugar configurations including for example α-L-ribofuranose and β-D-ribofuranose (see WO 99/14226).

The RNA of an iRNA can also be modified to include one or more constrained ethyl nucleotides. As used herein, a “constrained ethyl nucleotide” or “cEt” is a locked nucleic acid comprising a bicyclic sugar moiety comprising a 4′-CH(CH₃)—O-2′ bridge. In one embodiment, a constrained ethyl nucleotide is in the S conformation referred to herein as “S-cEt.”

An iRNA of the invention may also include one or more “conformationally restricted nucleotides” (“CRN”). CRN are nucleotide analogs with a linker connecting the C2′ and C4′ carbons of ribose or the C3 and —C5′ carbons of ribose. CRN lock the ribose ring into a stable conformation and increase the hybridization affinity to mRNA. The linker is of sufficient length to place the oxygen in an optimal position for stability and affinity resulting in less ribose ring puckering.

Representative publications that teach the preparation of certain of the above noted CRN include, but are not limited to, US Patent Publication No. 2013/0190383; and PCT publication WO 2013/036868, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the iRNA of the invention comprises one or more monomers that are UNA (unlocked nucleic acid) nucleotides. UNA is unlocked acyclic nucleic acid, wherein any of the bonds of the sugar has been removed, forming an unlocked “sugar” residue. In one example, UNA also encompasses monomer with bonds between C1′-C4′ have been removed (i.e. the covalent carbon-oxygen-carbon bond between the C1′ and C4′ carbons). In another example, the C2′-C3′ bond (i.e. the covalent carbon-carbon bond between the C2′ and C3′ carbons) of the sugar has been removed (see Nuc. Acids Symp. Series, 52, 133-134 (2008) and Fluiter et al., Mol. Biosyst., 2009, 10, 1039 hereby incorporated by reference).

Representative US publications that teach the preparation of UNA include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. No. 8,314,227; and US Patent Publication Nos. 2013/0096289; 2013/0011922; and 2011/0313020, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Potentially stabilizing modifications to the ends of RNA molecules can include N-(acetylaminocaproyl)-4-hydroxyprolinol (Hyp-C6-NHAc), N-(caproyl-4-hydroxyprolinol (Hyp-C6), N-(acetyl-4-hydroxyprolinol (Hyp-NHAc), thymidine-2′-O-deoxythymidine (ether), N-(aminocaproyl)-4-hydroxyprolinol (Hyp-C6-amino), 2-docosanoyl-uridine-3″-phosphate, inverted base dT(idT) and others. Disclosure of this modification can be found in PCT Publication No. WO 2011/005861.

Other modifications of the nucleotides of an iRNA of the invention include a 5′ phosphate or 5′ phosphate mimic, e.g., a 5′-terminal phosphate or phosphate mimic on the antisense strand of an iRNA. Suitable phosphate mimics are disclosed in, for example US Patent Publication No. 2012/0157511, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A. Modified iRNAs Comprising Motifs of the Invention

In certain aspects of the invention, the double stranded RNAi agents of the invention include agents with chemical modifications as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0315835 and PCT Publication No. WO 2013/075035, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. WO 2013/075035 and U.S. 2014/0315835 provide motifs of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides into a sense strand or antisense strand of a dsRNAi agent, particularly at or near the cleavage site. In some embodiments, the sense strand and antisense strand of the dsRNAi agent may otherwise be completely modified. The introduction of these motifs interrupts the modification pattern, if present, of the sense or antisense strand. The dsRNAi agent may be optionally conjugated with a GalNAc derivative ligand, for instance on the sense strand.

More specifically, when the sense strand and antisense strand of the double stranded RNAi agent are completely modified to have one or more motifs of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at or near the cleavage site of at least one strand of a dsRNAi agent, the gene silencing activity of the dsRNAi agent was observed.

Accordingly, the invention provides double stranded RNAi agents capable of inhibiting the expression of a target gene (i.e., XDH gene) in vivo. The RNAi agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand. Each strand of the RNAi agent may be, independently, 12-30 nucleotides in length. For example, each strand may independently be 14-30 nucleotides in length, 17-30 nucleotides in length, 25-30 nucleotides in length, 27-30 nucleotides in length, 17-23 nucleotides in length, 17-21 nucleotides in length, 17-19 nucleotides in length, 19-25 nucleotides in length, 19-23 nucleotides in length, 19-21 nucleotides in length, 21-25 nucleotides in length, or 21-23 nucleotides in length.

The sense strand and antisense strand typically form a duplex double stranded RNA (“dsRNA”), also referred to herein as “dsRNAi agent.” The duplex region of a dsRNAi agent may be 12-30 nucleotide pairs in length. For example, the duplex region can be 14-30 nucleotide pairs in length, 17-30 nucleotide pairs in length, 27-30 nucleotide pairs in length, 17-23 nucleotide pairs in length, 17-21 nucleotide pairs in length, 17-19 nucleotide pairs in length, 19-25 nucleotide pairs in length, 19-23 nucleotide pairs in length, 19-21 nucleotide pairs in length, 21-25 nucleotide pairs in length, or 21-23 nucleotide pairs in length. In another example, the duplex region is selected from 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 nucleotides in length.

In certain embodiments, the dsRNAi agent may contain one or more overhang regions or capping groups at the 3′-end, 5′-end, or both ends of one or both strands. The overhang can be, independently, 1-6 nucleotides in length, for instance 2-6 nucleotides in length, 1-5 nucleotides in length, 2-5 nucleotides in length, 1-4 nucleotides in length, 2-4 nucleotides in length, 1-3 nucleotides in length, 2-3 nucleotides in length, or 1-2 nucleotides in length. In certain embodiments, the overhang regions can include extended overhang regions as provided above. The overhangs can be the result of one strand being longer than the other, or the result of two strands of the same length being staggered. The overhang can form a mismatch with the target mRNA or it can be complementary to the gene sequences being targeted or can be another sequence. The first and second strands can also be joined, e.g., by additional bases to form a hairpin, or by other non-base linkers.

In certain embodiments, the nucleotides in the overhang region of the dsRNAi agent can each independently be a modified or unmodified nucleotide including, but no limited to 2′-sugar modified, such as, 2′-F, 2′-O-methyl, thymidine (T), 2′-O-methoxyethyl-5-methyluridine (Teo), 2′-O-methoxyethyladenosine (Aeo), 2′-O-methoxyethyl-5-methylcytidine (m5Ceo), and any combinations thereof. For example, TT can be an overhang sequence for either end on either strand. The overhang can form a mismatch with the target mRNA or it can be complementary to the gene sequences being targeted or can be another sequence.

The 5′- or 3′-overhangs at the sense strand, antisense strand, or both strands of the dsRNAi agent may be phosphorylated. In some embodiments, the overhang region(s) contains two nucleotides having a phosphorothioate between the two nucleotides, where the two nucleotides can be the same or different. In some embodiments, the overhang is present at the 3′-end of the sense strand, antisense strand, or both strands. In some embodiments, this 3′-overhang is present in the antisense strand. In some embodiments, this 3′-overhang is present in the sense strand.

The dsRNAi agent may contain only a single overhang, which can strengthen the interference activity of the RNAi, without affecting its overall stability. For example, the single-stranded overhang may be located at the 3′-end of the sense strand or, alternatively, at the 3′-end of the antisense strand. The RNAi may also have a blunt end, located at the 5′-end of the antisense strand (or the 3′-end of the sense strand) or vice versa. Generally, the antisense strand of the dsRNAi agent has a nucleotide overhang at the 3′-end, and the 5′-end is blunt. While not wishing to be bound by theory, the asymmetric blunt end at the 5′-end of the antisense strand and 3′-end overhang of the antisense strand favor the guide strand loading into RISC process.

In certain embodiments, the dsRNAi agent is a double ended bluntmer of 19 nucleotides in length, wherein the sense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-F modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 7, 8, 9 from the 5′end. The antisense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-O-methyl modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 11, 12, 13 from the 5′ end.

In other embodiments, the dsRNAi agent is a double ended bluntmer of 20 nucleotides in length, wherein the sense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-F modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 8, 9, 10 from the 5′end. The antisense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-O-methyl modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 11, 12, 13 from the 5′ end.

In yet other embodiments, the dsRNAi agent is a double ended bluntmer of 21 nucleotides in length, wherein the sense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-F modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 9, 10, 11 from the 5′end. The antisense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-O-methyl modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 11, 12, 13 from the 5′ end.

In certain embodiments, the dsRNAi agent comprises a 21 nucleotide sense strand and a 23 nucleotide antisense strand, wherein the sense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-F modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 9, 10, 11 from the 5′end; the antisense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-O-methyl modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at positions 11, 12, 13 from the 5′end, wherein one end of the RNAi agent is blunt, while the other end comprises a 2 nucleotide overhang. Preferably, the 2 nucleotide overhang is at the 3′-end of the antisense strand.

When the 2 nucleotide overhang is at the 3′-end of the antisense strand, there may be two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages between the terminal three nucleotides, wherein two of the three nucleotides are the overhang nucleotides, and the third nucleotide is a paired nucleotide next to the overhang nucleotide. In one embodiment, the RNAi agent additionally has two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages between the terminal three nucleotides at both the 5′-end of the sense strand and at the 5′-end of the antisense strand. In certain embodiments, every nucleotide in the sense strand and the antisense strand of the dsRNAi agent, including the nucleotides that are part of the motifs are modified nucleotides. In certain embodiments each residue is independently modified with a 2′-O-methyl or 3′-fluoro, e.g., in an alternating motif. Optionally, the dsRNAi agent further comprises a ligand (preferably GalNAc, e.g., GalNAc₃).

In certain embodiments, the dsRNAi agent comprises a sense and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand is 25-30 nucleotide residues in length, wherein starting from the 5′ terminal nucleotide (position 1) positions 1 to 23 of the first strand comprise at least 8 ribonucleotides; the antisense strand is 36-66 nucleotide residues in length and, starting from the 3′ terminal nucleotide, comprises at least 8 ribonucleotides in the positions paired with positions 1-23 of sense strand to form a duplex; wherein at least the 3′ terminal nucleotide of antisense strand is unpaired with sense strand, and up to 6 consecutive 3′ terminal nucleotides are unpaired with sense strand, thereby forming a 3′ single stranded overhang of 1-6 nucleotides; wherein the 5′ terminus of antisense strand comprises from 10-30 consecutive nucleotides which are unpaired with sense strand, thereby forming a 10-30 nucleotide single stranded 5′ overhang; wherein at least the sense strand 5′ terminal and 3′ terminal nucleotides are base paired with nucleotides of antisense strand when sense and antisense strands are aligned for maximum complementarity, thereby forming a substantially duplexed region between sense and antisense strands; and antisense strand is sufficiently complementary to a target RNA along at least 19 ribonucleotides of antisense strand length to reduce target gene expression when the double stranded nucleic acid is introduced into a mammalian cell; and wherein the sense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-F modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, where at least one of the motifs occurs at or near the cleavage site. The antisense strand contains at least one motif of three 2′-O-methyl modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at or near the cleavage site.

In certain embodiments, the dsRNAi agent comprises sense and antisense strands, wherein the dsRNAi agent comprises a first strand having a length which is at least 25 and at most 29 nucleotides and a second strand having a length which is at most 30 nucleotides with at least one motif of three 2′-O-methyl modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at position 11, 12, 13 from the 5′ end; wherein the 3′ end of the first strand and the 5′ end of the second strand form a blunt end and the second strand is 1-4 nucleotides longer at its 3′ end than the first strand, wherein the duplex region region which is at least 25 nucleotides in length, and the second strand is sufficiently complementary to a target mRNA along at least 19 nucleotide of the second strand length to reduce target gene expression when the RNAi agent is introduced into a mammalian cell, and wherein Dicer cleavage of the dsRNAi agent preferentially results in an siRNA comprising the 3′-end of the second strand, thereby reducing expression of the target gene in the mammal. Optionally, the dsRNAi agent further comprises a ligand.

In certain embodiments, the sense strand of the dsRNAi agent contains at least one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, where one of the motifs occurs at the cleavage site in the sense strand.

In certain embodiments, the antisense strand of the dsRNAi agent can also contain at least one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, where one of the motifs occurs at or near the cleavage site in the antisense strand.

For a dsRNAi agent having a duplex region of 17-23 nucleotides in length, the cleavage site of the antisense strand is typically around the 10, 11, and 12 positions from the 5′-end. Thus the motifs of three identical modifications may occur at the 9, 10, 11 positions; the 10, 11, 12 positions; the 11, 12, 13 positions; the 12, 13, 14 positions; or the 13, 14, 15 positions of the antisense strand, the count starting from the first nucleotide from the 5′-end of the antisense strand, or, the count starting from the first paired nucleotide within the duplex region from the 5′-end of the antisense strand. The cleavage site in the antisense strand may also change according to the length of the duplex region of the dsRNAi agent from the 5′-end.

The sense strand of the dsRNAi agent may contain at least one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at the cleavage site of the strand; and the antisense strand may have at least one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides at or near the cleavage site of the strand. When the sense strand and the antisense strand form a dsRNA duplex, the sense strand and the antisense strand can be so aligned that one motif of the three nucleotides on the sense strand and one motif of the three nucleotides on the antisense strand have at least one nucleotide overlap, i.e., at least one of the three nucleotides of the motif in the sense strand forms a base pair with at least one of the three nucleotides of the motif in the antisense strand. Alternatively, at least two nucleotides may overlap, or all three nucleotides may overlap.

In some embodiments, the sense strand of the dsRNAi agent may contain more than one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides. The first motif may occur at or near the cleavage site of the strand and the other motifs may be a wing modification. The term “wing modification” herein refers to a motif occurring at another portion of the strand that is separated from the motif at or near the cleavage site of the same strand. The wing modification is either adjacent to the first motif or is separated by at least one or more nucleotides. When the motifs are immediately adjacent to each other then the chemistries of the motifs are distinct from each other, and when the motifs are separated by one or more nucleotide than the chemistries can be the same or different. Two or more wing modifications may be present. For instance, when two wing modifications are present, each wing modification may occur at one end relative to the first motif which is at or near cleavage site or on either side of the lead motif.

Like the sense strand, the antisense strand of the dsRNAi agent may contain more than one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, with at least one of the motifs occurring at or near the cleavage site of the strand. This antisense strand may also contain one or more wing modifications in an alignment similar to the wing modifications that may be present on the sense strand.

In some embodiments, the wing modification on the sense strand or antisense strand of the dsRNAi agent typically does not include the first one or two terminal nucleotides at the 3′-end, 5′-end, or both ends of the strand.

In other embodiments, the wing modification on the sense strand or antisense strand of the dsRNAi agent typically does not include the first one or two paired nucleotides within the duplex region at the 3′-end, 5′-end, or both ends of the strand.

When the sense strand and the antisense strand of the dsRNAi agent each contain at least one wing modification, the wing modifications may fall on the same end of the duplex region, and have an overlap of one, two, or three nucleotides.

When the sense strand and the antisense strand of the dsRNAi agent each contain at least two wing modifications, the sense strand and the antisense strand can be so aligned that two modifications each from one strand fall on one end of the duplex region, having an overlap of one, two, or three nucleotides; two modifications each from one strand fall on the other end of the duplex region, having an overlap of one, two or three nucleotides; two modifications one strand fall on each side of the lead motif, having an overlap of one, two, or three nucleotides in the duplex region.

In some embodiments, every nucleotide in the sense strand and antisense strand of the dsRNAi agent, including the nucleotides that are part of the motifs, may be modified. Each nucleotide may be modified with the same or different modification which can include one or more alteration of one or both of the non-linking phosphate oxygens or of one or more of the linking phosphate oxygens; alteration of a constituent of the ribose sugar, e.g., of the 2′-hydroxyl on the ribose sugar; wholesale replacement of the phosphate moiety with “dephospho” linkers; modification or replacement of a naturally occurring base; and replacement or modification of the ribose-phosphate backbone.

As nucleic acids are polymers of subunits, many of the modifications occur at a position which is repeated within a nucleic acid, e.g., a modification of a base, or a phosphate moiety, or a non-linking O of a phosphate moiety. In some cases the modification will occur at all of the subject positions in the nucleic acid but in many cases it will not. By way of example, a modification may only occur at a 3′- or 5′-terminal position, may only occur in a terminal region, e.g., at a position on a terminal nucleotide or in the last 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 nucleotides of a strand. A modification may occur in a double strand region, a single strand region, or in both. A modification may occur only in the double strand region of a dsRNAi agent or may only occur in a single strand region of a dsRNAi agent. For example, a phosphorothioate modification at a non-linking O position may only occur at one or both ends, may only occur in a terminal region, e.g., at a position on a terminal nucleotide, or in the last 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 nucleotides of a strand, or may occur in double strand and single strand regions, particularly at the ends. The 5′-end or ends can be phosphorylated.

It may be possible, e.g., to enhance stability, to include particular bases in overhangs, or to include modified nucleotides or nucleotide surrogates, in single strand overhangs, e.g., in a 5′- or 3′-overhang, or in both. For example, it can be desirable to include purine nucleotides in overhangs. In some embodiments all or some of the bases in a 3′- or 5′-overhang may be modified, e.g., with a modification described herein. Modifications can include, e.g., the use of modifications at the 2′ position of the ribose sugar with modifications that are known in the art, e.g., the use of deoxyribonucleotides, 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro (2′-F) or 2′-O-methyl modified instead of the ribosugar of the nucleobase, and modifications in the phosphate group, e.g., phosphorothioate modifications. Overhangs need not be homologous with the target sequence.

In some embodiments, each residue of the sense strand and antisense strand is independently modified with LNA, CRN, cET, UNA, HNA, CeNA, 2′-methoxyethyl, 2′-O-methyl, 2′-O-allyl, 2′-C-allyl, 2′-deoxy, 2′-hydroxyl, or 2′-fluoro. The strands can contain more than one modification. In one embodiment, each residue of the sense strand and antisense strand is independently modified with 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro.

At least two different modifications are typically present on the sense strand and antisense strand. Those two modifications may be the 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications, or others.

In certain embodiments, the N_(a) or N_(b) comprise modifications of an alternating pattern. The term “alternating motif” as used herein refers to a motif having one or more modifications, each modification occurring on alternating nucleotides of one strand. The alternating nucleotide may refer to one per every other nucleotide or one per every three nucleotides, or a similar pattern. For example, if A, B and C each represent one type of modification to the nucleotide, the alternating motif can be “ABABABABABAB . . . ,” “AABBAABBAABB . . . ,” “AABAABAABAAB . . . ,” “AAABAAABAAAB . . . ,” “AAABBBAAABBB . . . ,” or “ABCABCABCABC . . . ,” etc.

The type of modifications contained in the alternating motif may be the same or different. For example, if A, B, C, D each represent one type of modification on the nucleotide, the alternating pattern, i.e., modifications on every other nucleotide, may be the same, but each of the sense strand or antisense strand can be selected from several possibilities of modifications within the alternating motif such as “ABABAB . . . ”, “ACACAC . . . ” “BDBDBD . . . ” or “CDCDCD . . . ,” etc.

In some embodiments, the dsRNAi agent of the invention comprises the modification pattern for the alternating motif on the sense strand relative to the modification pattern for the alternating motif on the antisense strand is shifted. The shift may be such that the modified group of nucleotides of the sense strand corresponds to a differently modified group of nucleotides of the antisense strand and vice versa. For example, the sense strand when paired with the antisense strand in the dsRNA duplex, the alternating motif in the sense strand may start with “ABABAB” from 5′ to 3′ of the strand and the alternating motif in the antisense strand may start with “BABABA” from 5′ to 3′ of the strand within the duplex region. As another example, the alternating motif in the sense strand may start with “AABBAABB” from 5′ to 3′ of the strand and the alternating motif in the antisense strand may start with “BBAABBAA” from 5′ to 3′ of the strand within the duplex region, so that there is a complete or partial shift of the modification patterns between the sense strand and the antisense strand.

In some embodiments, the dsRNAi agent comprises the pattern of the alternating motif of 2′-O-methyl modification and 2′-F modification on the sense strand initially has a shift relative to the pattern of the alternating motif of 2′-O-methyl modification and 2′-F modification on the antisense strand initially, i.e., the 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide on the sense strand base pairs with a 2′-F modified nucleotide on the antisense strand and vice versa. The 1 position of the sense strand may start with the 2′-F modification, and the 1 position of the antisense strand may start with the 2′-O-methyl modification.

The introduction of one or more motifs of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides to the sense strand or antisense strand interrupts the initial modification pattern present in the sense strand or antisense strand. This interruption of the modification pattern of the sense or antisense strand by introducing one or more motifs of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides to the sense or antisense strand may enhance the gene silencing activity against the target gene.

In some embodiments, when the motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides is introduced to any of the strands, the modification of the nucleotide next to the motif is a different modification than the modification of the motif. For example, the portion of the sequence containing the motif is “ . . . N_(a)YYYN_(b) . . . ,” where “Y” represents the modification of the motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotide, and “N_(a)” and “N_(b)” represent a modification to the nucleotide next to the motif “YYY” that is different than the modification of Y, and where N_(a) and N_(b) can be the same or different modifications. Alternatively, N_(a) or N_(b) may be present or absent when there is a wing modification present.

The iRNA may further comprise at least one phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage. The phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage modification may occur on any nucleotide of the sense strand, antisense strand, or both strands in any position of the strand. For instance, the internucleotide linkage modification may occur on every nucleotide on the sense strand or antisense strand; each internucleotide linkage modification may occur in an alternating pattern on the sense strand or antisense strand; or the sense strand or antisense strand may contain both internucleotide linkage modifications in an alternating pattern. The alternating pattern of the internucleotide linkage modification on the sense strand may be the same or different from the antisense strand, and the alternating pattern of the internucleotide linkage modification on the sense strand may have a shift relative to the alternating pattern of the internucleotide linkage modification on the antisense strand. In one embodiment, a double-stranded RNAi agent comprises 6-8phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages. In some embodiments, the antisense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-end and two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 3′-end, and the sense strand comprises at least two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at either the 5′-end or the 3′-end.

In some embodiments, the dsRNAi agent comprises a phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage modification in the overhang region. For example, the overhang region may contain two nucleotides having a phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage between the two nucleotides. Internucleotide linkage modifications also may be made to link the overhang nucleotides with the terminal paired nucleotides within the duplex region. For example, at least 2, 3, 4, or all the overhang nucleotides may be linked through phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage, and optionally, there may be additional phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkages linking the overhang nucleotide with a paired nucleotide that is next to the overhang nucleotide. For instance, there may be at least two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages between the terminal three nucleotides, in which two of the three nucleotides are overhang nucleotides, and the third is a paired nucleotide next to the overhang nucleotide. These terminal three nucleotides may be at the 3′-end of the antisense strand, the 3′-end of the sense strand, the 5′-end of the antisense strand, or the 5′end of the antisense strand.

In some embodiments, the 2-nucleotide overhang is at the 3′-end of the antisense strand, and there are two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages between the terminal three nucleotides, wherein two of the three nucleotides are the overhang nucleotides, and the third nucleotide is a paired nucleotide next to the overhang nucleotide. Optionally, the dsRNAi agent may additionally have two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages between the terminal three nucleotides at both the 5′-end of the sense strand and at the 5′-end of the antisense strand.

In one embodiment, the dsRNAi agent comprises mismatch(es) with the target, within the duplex, or combinations thereof. The mistmatch may occur in the overhang region or the duplex region. The base pair may be ranked on the basis of their propensity to promote dissociation or melting (e.g., on the free energy of association or dissociation of a particular pairing, the simplest approach is to examine the pairs on an individual pair basis, though next neighbor or similar analysis can also be used). In terms of promoting dissociation: A:U is preferred over G:C; G:U is preferred over G:C; and I:C is preferred over G:C (I=inosine). Mismatches, e.g., non-canonical or other than canonical pairings (as described elsewhere herein) are preferred over canonical (A:T, A:U, G:C) pairings; and pairings which include a universal base are preferred over canonical pairings.

In certain embodiments, the dsRNAi agent comprises at least one of the first 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 base pairs within the duplex regions from the 5′-end of the antisense strand independently selected from the group of: A:U, G:U, I:C, and mismatched pairs, e.g., non-canonical or other than canonical pairings or pairings which include a universal base, to promote the dissociation of the antisense strand at the 5′-end of the duplex.

In certain embodiments, the nucleotide at the 1 position within the duplex region from the 5′-end in the antisense strand is selected from A, dA, dU, U, and dT. Alternatively, at least one of the first 1, 2, or 3 base pair within the duplex region from the 5′-end of the antisense strand is an AU base pair. For example, the first base pair within the duplex region from the 5′-end of the antisense strand is an AU base pair.

In other embodiments, the nucleotide at the 3′-end of the sense strand is deoxy-thymine (dT) or the nucleotide at the 3′-end of the antisense strand is deoxy-thymine (dT). For example, there is a short sequence of deoxy-thymine nucleotides, for example, two dT nucleotides on the 3′-end of the sense, antisense strand, or both strands.

In certain embodiments, the sense strand sequence may be represented by formula (I):

5′n_(p)-N_(a)-(XXX)_(i)-N_(b)-YYY-N_(b)-(ZZZ)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q)3′  (I)

wherein:

i and j are each independently 0 or 1;

p and q are each independently 0-6;

each N_(a) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 modified nucleotides, each sequence comprising at least two differently modified nucleotides;

each N_(b) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 modified nucleotides;

each n_(p) and n_(q) independently represent an overhang nucleotide;

wherein Nb and Y do not have the same modification; and

XXX, YYY, and ZZZ each independently represent one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides. Preferably YYY is all 2′-F modified nucleotides.

In some embodiments, the N_(a) or N_(b) comprises modifications of alternating pattern.

In some embodiments, the YYY motif occurs at or near the cleavage site of the sense strand. For example, when the dsRNAi agent has a duplex region of 17-23 nucleotides in length, the YYY motif can occur at or the vicinity of the cleavage site (e.g.: can occur at positions 6, 7, 8; 7, 8, 9; 8, 9, 10; 9, 10, 11; 10, 11, 12; or 11, 12, 13) of the sense strand, the count starting from the first nucleotide, from the 5′-end; or optionally, the count starting at the first paired nucleotide within the duplex region, from the 5′-end.

In one embodiment, i is 1 and j is 0, or i is 0 and j is 1, or both i and j are 1. The sense strand can therefore be represented by the following formulas:

5′n_(p)-N_(a)-YYY-N_(b)-ZZZ-N_(a)-n_(q)3′  (Ib);

5′n_(p)-N_(a)-XXX-N_(b)-YYY-N_(a)-n_(q)3′  (Ic); or

5′n_(p)-N_(a)-XXX-N_(b)-YYY-N_(b)-ZZZ-N_(a)-n_(q)3′  (Id).

When the sense strand is represented by formula (Ib), N_(b) represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2, or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a) independently can represent an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the sense strand is represented as formula (Ic), N_(b) represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2, or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a) can independently represent an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the sense strand is represented as formula (Id), each N_(b) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2, or 0 modified nucleotides. Preferably, N_(b) is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 Each N_(a) can independently represent an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

Each of X, Y and Z may be the same or different from each other.

In other embodiments, i is 0 and j is 0, and the sense strand may be represented by the formula:

5′n_(p)-N_(a)-YYY-N_(a)-n_(q)3′  (Ia).

When the sense strand is represented by formula (Ia), each N_(a) independently can represent an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the antisense strand sequence of the RNAi may be represented by formula (II):

5′n_(q)′-N_(a)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(X′X′X′)_(i)-N′_(a)-n_(p)′3′  (II)

wherein:

k and 1 are each independently 0 or 1;

p′ and q′ are each independently 0-6;

each N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 modified nucleotides, each sequence comprising at least two differently modified nucleotides;

each N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 modified nucleotides;

each n_(p)′ and n_(q)′ independently represent an overhang nucleotide;

wherein N_(b)′ and Y′ do not have the same modification; and X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently represent one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides.

In some embodiments, the N_(a)′ or N_(b)′ comprises modifications of alternating pattern.

The Y′Y′Y′ motif occurs at or near the cleavage site of the antisense strand. For example, when the dsRNAi agent has a duplex region of 17-23 nucleotides in length, the Y′Y′Y′ motif can occur at positions 9, 10, 11; 10, 11, 12; 11, 12, 13; 12, 13, 14; or 13, 14, 15 of the antisense strand, with the count starting from the first nucleotide, from the 5′-end; or optionally, the count starting at the first paired nucleotide within the duplex region, from the 5′-end. Preferably, the Y′Y′Y′ motif occurs at positions 11, 12, 13.

In certain embodiments, Y′Y′Y′ motif is all 2′-OMe modified nucleotides.

In certain embodiments, k is 1 and 1 is 0, or k is 0 and 1 is 1, or both k and 1 are 1.

The antisense strand can therefore be represented by the following formulas:

5′n_(q)′-N_(a)′-Z′Z′Z′-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a)′-n_(p)′3′  (IIb);

5′n_(q)′-N_(a)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-X′X′X′-n_(p′)3′  (IIc); or

5′n_(q)′-N_(a)′-Z′Z′Z′-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-X′X′X′-N_(a)′-n_(p′)3′  (IId).

When the antisense strand is represented by formula (IIb), N_(b)′ represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2, or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the antisense strand is represented as formula (IIc), N_(b)′ represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2, or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the antisense strand is represented as formula (IId), each N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2, or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides. Preferably, N_(b) is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

In other embodiments, k is 0 and 1 is 0 and the antisense strand may be represented by the formula:

5′n_(p′)-N_(a′)-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a′)-n_(q′),3′  (Ia).

When the antisense strand is represented as formula (IIa), each N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides. Each of X′, Y′ and Z′ may be the same or different from each other.

Each nucleotide of the sense strand and antisense strand may be independently modified with LNA, CRN, UNA, cEt, HNA, CeNA, 2′-methoxyethyl, 2′-O-methyl, 2′-O-allyl, 2′-C-allyl, 2′-hydroxyl, or 2′-fluoro. For example, each nucleotide of the sense strand and antisense strand is independently modified with 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro. Each X, Y, Z, X′, Y′, and Z′, in particular, may represent a 2′-O-methyl modification or a 2′-fluoro modification.

In some embodiments, the sense strand of the dsRNAi agent may contain YYY motif occurring at 9, 10, and 11 positions of the strand when the duplex region is 21 nt, the count starting from the first nucleotide from the 5′-end, or optionally, the count starting at the first paired nucleotide within the duplex region, from the 5′-end; and Y represents 2′-F modification. The sense strand may additionally contain XXX motif or ZZZ motifs as wing modifications at the opposite end of the duplex region; and XXX and ZZZ each independently represents a 2′-OMe modification or 2′-F modification.

In some embodiments the antisense strand may contain Y′Y′Y′ motif occurring at positions 11, 12, 13 of the strand, the count starting from the first nucleotide from the 5′-end, or optionally, the count starting at the first paired nucleotide within the duplex region, from the 5′-end; and Y′ represents 2′-O-methyl modification. The antisense strand may additionally contain X′X′X′ motif or Z′Z′Z′ motifs as wing modifications at the opposite end of the duplex region; and X′X′X′ and Z′Z′Z′ each independently represents a 2′-OMe modification or 2′-F modification.

The sense strand represented by any one of the above formulas (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), and (Id) forms a duplex with a antisense strand being represented by any one of formulas (IIa), (IIb), (IIc), and (IId), respectively.

Accordingly, the dsRNAi agents for use in the methods of the invention may comprise a sense strand and an antisense strand, each strand having 14 to 30 nucleotides, the iRNA duplex represented by formula (III):

sense: 5′n_(p)-N_(a)-(XXX)_(i)-N_(b)-YYY-N_(b)-(ZZZ)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q)3′

antisense: 3′n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)-N_(a)′-n_(q)′5′   (III)

wherein:

i, j, k, and 1 are each independently 0 or 1;

p, p′, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6;

each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 modified nucleotides, each sequence comprising at least two differently modified nucleotides; each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 modified nucleotides;

wherein each n_(p)′, n_(p), n_(q)′, and n_(q), each of which may or may not be present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide; and

XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently represent one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides.

In one embodiment, i is 0 and j is 0; or i is 1 and j is 0; or i is 0 and j is 1; or both i and j are 0; or both i and j are 1. In another embodiment, k is 0 and 1 is 0; or k is 1 and 1 is 0; k is 0 and 1 is 1; or both k and 1 are 0; or both k and 1 are 1.

Exemplary combinations of the sense strand and antisense strand forming an iRNA duplex include the formulas below:

5′n_(p)-N_(a)-YYY-N_(a)-n_(q)3′

3′n_(p)′-N_(a)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a)′n_(q)′5′   (IIIa)

5′n_(p)-N_(a)-YYY-N_(b)-ZZZ-N_(a)-n_(q)3′

3′n_(p)′-N_(a)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-Z′Z′Z′-N_(a)′n_(q)′5′   (IIIb)

5′n_(p)-N_(a)-XXX-N_(b)-YYY-N_(a)-n_(q)3′

3′n_(p)′-N_(a)′-X′X′X′-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a′)-n_(q)′5′   (IIIc)

5′n_(p)-N_(a)-XXX-N_(b)-YYY-N_(b)-ZZZ-N_(a)-n_(q)3′

3′n_(p)′-N_(a)′-X′X′X′-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-Z′Z′Z′-N_(a)-n_(q)′5′   (IIId)

When the dsRNAi agent is represented by formula (IIIa), each N_(a) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the dsRNAi agent is represented by formula (IIIb), each N_(b) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 1-10, 1-7, 1-5, or 1-4 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the dsRNAi agent is represented as formula (IIIc), each N_(b), N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2, or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a) independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides.

When the dsRNAi agent is represented as formula (IIId), each N_(b), N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10, 0-7, 0-10, 0-7, 0-5, 0-4, 0-2, or 0 modified nucleotides. Each N_(a), N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-20, 2-15, or 2-10 modified nucleotides. Each of N_(a), N_(a)′, N_(b), and N_(b)′ independently comprises modifications of alternating pattern.

Each of X, Y, and Z in formulas (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IIIc), and (IIId) may be the same or different from each other.

When the dsRNAi agent is represented by formula (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IIIc), and (IIId), at least one of the Y nucleotides may form a base pair with one of the Y′ nucleotides. Alternatively, at least two of the Y nucleotides form base pairs with the corresponding Y′ nucleotides; or all three of the Y nucleotides all form base pairs with the corresponding Y′ nucleotides.

When the dsRNAi agent is represented by formula (IIIb) or (IIId), at least one of the Z nucleotides may form a base pair with one of the Z′ nucleotides. Alternatively, at least two of the Z nucleotides form base pairs with the corresponding Z′ nucleotides; or all three of the Z nucleotides all form base pairs with the corresponding Z′ nucleotides.

When the dsRNAi agent is represented as formula (IIIc) or (IIId), at least one of the X nucleotides may form a base pair with one of the X′ nucleotides. Alternatively, at least two of the X nucleotides form base pairs with the corresponding X′ nucleotides; or all three of the X nucleotides all form base pairs with the corresponding X′ nucleotides.

In certain embodiments, the modification on the Y nucleotide is different than the modification on the Y′ nucleotide, the modification on the Z nucleotide is different than the modification on the Z′ nucleotide, or the modification on the X nucleotide is different than the modification on the X′ nucleotide.

In certain embodiments, when the dsRNAi agent is represented by formula (IIId), the N_(a) modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications. In other embodiments, when the RNAi agent is represented by formula (IIId), the N_(a) modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications and n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide a via phosphorothioate linkage. In yet other embodiments, when the RNAi agent is represented by formula (IIId), the N_(a) modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications, n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide via phosphorothioate linkage, and the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker (described below). In other embodiments, when the RNAi agent is represented by formula (IIId), the N_(a) modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications, n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide via phosphorothioate linkage, the sense strand comprises at least one phosphorothioate linkage, and the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.

In some embodiments, when the dsRNAi agent is represented by formula (IIIa), the N_(a) modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications, n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide via phosphorothioate linkage, the sense strand comprises at least one phosphorothioate linkage, and the sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.

In some embodiments, the dsRNAi agent is a multimer containing at least two duplexes represented by formula (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IIIc), and (IIId), wherein the duplexes are connected by a linker. The linker can be cleavable or non-cleavable. Optionally, the multimer further comprises a ligand. Each of the duplexes can target the same gene or two different genes; or each of the duplexes can target same gene at two different target sites.

In some embodiments, the dsRNAi agent is a multimer containing three, four, five, six, or more duplexes represented by formula (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IIIc), and (IIId), wherein the duplexes are connected by a linker. The linker can be cleavable or non-cleavable. Optionally, the multimer further comprises a ligand. Each of the duplexes can target the same gene or two different genes; or each of the duplexes can target same gene at two different target sites.

In one embodiment, two dsRNAi agents represented by at least one of formulas (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IIIc), and (IIId) are linked to each other at the 5′ end, and one or both of the 3′ ends, and are optionally conjugated to to a ligand. Each of the agents can target the same gene or two different genes; or each of the agents can target same gene at two different target sites.

Various publications describe multimeric iRNAs that can be used in the methods of the invention. Such publications include WO2007/091269, U.S. Pat. No. 7,858,769, WO2010/141511, WO2007/117686, WO2009/014887, and WO2011/031520 the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

As described in more detail below, the iRNA that contains conjugations of one or more carbohydrate moieties to an iRNA can optimize one or more properties of the iRNA. In many cases, the carbohydrate moiety will be attached to a modified subunit of the iRNA. For example, the ribose sugar of one or more ribonucleotide subunits of a iRNA can be replaced with another moiety, e.g., a non-carbohydrate (preferably cyclic) carrier to which is attached a carbohydrate ligand. A ribonucleotide subunit in which the ribose sugar of the subunit has been so replaced is referred to herein as a ribose replacement modification subunit (RRMS). A cyclic carrier may be a carbocyclic ring system, i.e., all ring atoms are carbon atoms, or a heterocyclic ring system, i.e., one or more ring atoms may be a heteroatom, e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur. The cyclic carrier may be a monocyclic ring system, or may contain two or more rings, e.g. fused rings. The cyclic carrier may be a fully saturated ring system, or it may contain one or more double bonds.

The ligand may be attached to the polynucleotide via a carrier. The carriers include (i) at least one “backbone attachment point,” preferably two “backbone attachment points” and (ii) at least one “tethering attachment point.” A “backbone attachment point” as used herein refers to a functional group, e.g. a hydroxyl group, or generally, a bond available for, and that is suitable for incorporation of the carrier into the backbone, e.g., the phosphate, or modified phosphate, e.g., sulfur containing, backbone, of a ribonucleic acid. A “tethering attachment point” (TAP) in some embodiments refers to a constituent ring atom of the cyclic carrier, e.g., a carbon atom or a heteroatom (distinct from an atom which provides a backbone attachment point), that connects a selected moiety. The moiety can be, e.g., a carbohydrate, e.g. monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide, oligosaccharide, or polysaccharide. Optionally, the selected moiety is connected by an intervening tether to the cyclic carrier. Thus, the cyclic carrier will often include a functional group, e.g., an amino group, or generally, provide a bond, that is suitable for incorporation or tethering of another chemical entity, e.g., a ligand to the constituent ring.

The iRNA may be conjugated to a ligand via a carrier, wherein the carrier can be cyclic group or acyclic group; preferably, the cyclic group is selected from pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, [1,3]dioxolane, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, morpholinyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, quinoxalinyl, pyridazinonyl, tetrahydrofuryl, and decalin; preferably, the acyclic group is a serinol backbone or diethanolamine backbone.

In certain embodiments, the iRNA for use in the methods of the invention is an agent selected from agents listed in Table 3, Table 4, Table 6 or Table 7. These agents may further comprise a ligand.

III. iRNAs Conjugated to Ligands

Another modification of the RNA of an iRNA of the invention involves chemically linking to the iRNA one or more ligands, moieties or conjugates that enhance the activity, cellular distribution, or cellular uptake of the iRNA e.g., into a cell. Such moieties include but are not limited to lipid moieties such as a cholesterol moiety (Letsinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acid. Sci. USA, 1989, 86: 6553-6556), cholic acid (Manoharan et al., Biorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1994, 4:1053-1060), a thioether, e.g., beryl-S-tritylthiol (Manoharan et al., Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci., 1992, 660:306-309; Manoharan et al., Biorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1993, 3:2765-2770), a thiocholesterol (Oberhauser et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1992, 20:533-538), an aliphatic chain, e.g., dodecandiol or undecyl residues (Saison-Behmoaras et al., EMBO J, 1991, 10:1111-1118; Kabanov et al., FEBS Lett., 1990, 259:327-330; Svinarchuk et al., Biochimie, 1993, 75:49-54), a phospholipid, e.g., di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or triethyl-ammonium 1,2-di-O-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphonate (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36:3651-3654; Shea et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1990, 18:3777-3783), a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain (Manoharan et al., Nucleosides & Nucleotides, 1995, 14:969-973), or adamantane acetic acid (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36:3651-3654), a palmityl moiety (Mishra et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1995, 1264:229-237), or an octadecylamine or hexylamino-carbonyloxycholesterol moiety (Crooke et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1996, 277:923-937).

In certain embodiments, a ligand alters the distribution, targeting or lifetime of an iRNA agent into which it is incorporated. In preferred embodiments a ligand provides an enhanced affinity for a selected target, e.g., molecule, cell or cell type, compartment, e.g., a cellular or organ compartment, tissue, organ or region of the body, as, e.g., compared to a species absent such a ligand. Preferred ligands do not take part in duplex pairing in a duplexed nucleic acid.

Ligands can include a naturally occurring substance, such as a protein (e.g., human serum albumin (HSA), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or globulin); carbohydrate (e.g., a dextran, pullulan, chitin, chitosan, inulin, cyclodextrin, N-acetylgalactosamine, or hyaluronic acid); or a lipid. The ligand can also be a recombinant or synthetic molecule, such as a synthetic polymer, e.g., a synthetic polyamino acid. Examples of polyamino acids include polyamino acid is a polylysine (PLL), poly L-aspartic acid, poly L-glutamic acid, styrene-maleic acid anhydride copolymer, poly(L-lactide-co-glycolied) copolymer, divinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer, N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer (HMPA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane, poly(2-ethylacryllic acid), N-isopropylacrylamide polymers, or polyphosphazine. Example of polyamines include: polyethylenimine, polylysine (PLL), spermine, spermidine, polyamine, pseudopeptide-polyamine, peptidomimetic polyamine, dendrimer polyamine, arginine, amidine, protamine, cationic lipid, cationic porphyrin, quaternary salt of a polyamine, or an alpha helical peptide.

Ligands can also include targeting groups, e.g., a cell or tissue targeting agent, e.g., a lectin, glycoprotein, lipid or protein, e.g., an antibody, that binds to a specified cell type such as a kidney cell. A targeting group can be a thyrotropin, melanotropin, lectin, glycoprotein, surfactant protein A, Mucin carbohydrate, multivalent lactose, multivalent galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-glucoseamine multivalent mannose, multivalent fucose, glycosylated polyaminoacids, galactose, transferrin, bisphosphonate, polyglutamate, polyaspartate, a lipid, cholesterol, a steroid, bile acid, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, biotin, or an RGD peptide or RGD peptide mimetic.

Other examples of ligands include dyes, intercalating agents (e.g. acridines), cross-linkers (e.g. psoralene, mitomycin C), porphyrins (TPPC4, texaphyrin, Sapphyrin), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., phenazine, dihydrophenazine), artificial endonucleases (e.g. EDTA), lipophilic molecules, e.g., cholesterol, cholic acid, adamantane acetic acid, 1-pyrene butyric acid, dihydrotestosterone, 1,3-Bis-O(hexadecyl)glycerol, geranyloxyhexyl group, hexadecylglycerol, borneol, menthol, 1,3-propanediol, heptadecyl group, palmitic acid, myristic acid, O3-(oleoyl)lithocholic acid, O3-(oleoyl)cholenic acid, dimethoxytrityl, or phenoxazine) and peptide conjugates (e.g., antennapedia peptide, Tat peptide), alkylating agents, phosphate, amino, mercapto, PEG (e.g., PEG-40K), MPEG, [MPEG]₂, polyamino, alkyl, substituted alkyl, radiolabeled markers, enzymes, haptens (e.g. biotin), transport/absorption facilitators (e.g., aspirin, vitamin E, folic acid), synthetic ribonucleases (e.g., imidazole, bisimidazole, histamine, imidazole clusters, acridine-imidazole conjugates, Eu3+ complexes of tetraazamacrocycles), dinitrophenyl, HRP, or AP.

Ligands can be proteins, e.g., glycoproteins, or peptides, e.g., molecules having a specific affinity for a co-ligand, or antibodies e.g., an antibody, that binds to a specified cell type such as a hepatic cell. Ligands can also include hormones and hormone receptors. They can also include non-peptidic species, such as lipids, lectins, carbohydrates, vitamins, cofactors, multivalent lactose, multivalent galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-gulucosamine multivalent mannose, or multivalent fucose. The ligand can be, for example, a lipopolysaccharide, an activator of p38 MAP kinase, or an activator of NF-κB.

The ligand can be a substance, e.g., a drug, which can increase the uptake of the iRNA agent into the cell, for example, by disrupting the cell's cytoskeleton, e.g., by disrupting the cell's microtubules, microfilaments, or intermediate filaments. The drug can be, for example, taxon, vincristine, vinblastine, cytochalasin, nocodazole, japlakinolide, latrunculin A, phalloidin, swinholide A, indanocine, or myoservin.

In some embodiments, a ligand attached to an iRNA as described herein acts as a pharmacokinetic modulator (PK modulator). PK modulators include lipophiles, bile acids, steroids, phospholipid analogues, peptides, protein binding agents, PEG, vitamins etc. Exemplary PK modulators include, but are not limited to, cholesterol, fatty acids, cholic acid, lithocholic acid, dialkylglycerides, diacylglyceride, phospholipids, sphingolipids, naproxen, ibuprofen, vitamin E, biotin etc. Oligonucleotides that comprise a number of phosphorothioate linkages are also known to bind to serum protein, thus short oligonucleotides, e.g., oligonucleotides of about 5 bases, 10 bases, 15 bases, or 20 bases, comprising multiple of phosphorothioate linkages in the backbone are also amenable to the present invention as ligands (e.g. as PK modulating ligands). In addition, aptamers that bind serum components (e.g. serum proteins) are also suitable for use as PK modulating ligands in the embodiments described herein.

Ligand-conjugated iRNAs of the invention may be synthesized by the use of an oligonucleotide that bears a pendant reactive functionality, such as that derived from the attachment of a linking molecule onto the oligonucleotide (described below). This reactive oligonucleotide may be reacted directly with commercially-available ligands, ligands that are synthesized bearing any of a variety of protecting groups, or ligands that have a linking moiety attached thereto.

The oligonucleotides used in the conjugates of the present invention may be conveniently and routinely made through the well-known technique of solid-phase synthesis. Equipment for such synthesis is sold by several vendors including, for example, Applied Biosystems (Foster City, Calif.). Any other means for such synthesis known in the art may additionally or alternatively be employed. It is also known to use similar techniques to prepare other oligonucleotides, such as the phosphorothioates and alkylated derivatives.

In the ligand-conjugated iRNAs and ligand-molecule bearing sequence-specific linked nucleosides of the present invention, the oligonucleotides and oligonucleosides may be assembled on a suitable DNA synthesizer utilizing standard nucleotide or nucleoside precursors, or nucleotide or nucleoside conjugate precursors that already bear the linking moiety, ligand-nucleotide or nucleoside-conjugate precursors that already bear the ligand molecule, or non-nucleoside ligand-bearing building blocks.

When using nucleotide-conjugate precursors that already bear a linking moiety, the synthesis of the sequence-specific linked nucleosides is typically completed, and the ligand molecule is then reacted with the linking moiety to form the ligand-conjugated oligonucleotide. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotides or linked nucleosides of the present invention are synthesized by an automated synthesizer using phosphoramidites derived from ligand-nucleoside conjugates in addition to the standard phosphoramidites and non-standard phosphoramidites that are commercially available and routinely used in oligonucleotide synthesis.

A. Lipid Conjugates

In certain embodiments, the ligand or conjugate is a lipid or lipid-based molecule. Such a lipid or lipid-based molecule preferably binds a serum protein, e.g., human serum albumin (HSA). An HSA binding ligand allows for distribution of the conjugate to a target tissue, e.g., a non-kidney target tissue of the body. For example, the target tissue can be the liver, including parenchymal cells of the liver. Other molecules that can bind HSA can also be used as ligands. For example, naproxen or aspirin can be used. A lipid or lipid-based ligand can (a) increase resistance to degradation of the conjugate, (b) increase targeting or transport into a target cell or cell membrane, or (c) can be used to adjust binding to a serum protein, e.g., HSA.

A lipid based ligand can be used to inhibit, e.g., control the binding of the conjugate to a target tissue. For example, a lipid or lipid-based ligand that binds to HSA more strongly will be less likely to be targeted to the kidney and therefore less likely to be cleared from the body. A lipid or lipid-based ligand that binds to HSA less strongly can be used to target the conjugate to the kidney.

In certain embodiments, the lipid based ligand binds HSA. Preferably, it binds HSA with a sufficient affinity such that the conjugate will be preferably distributed to a non-kidney tissue. However, it is preferred that the affinity not be so strong that the HSA-ligand binding cannot be reversed.

In other embodiments, the lipid based ligand binds HSA weakly or not at all, such that the conjugate will be preferably distributed to the kidney. Other moieties that target to kidney cells can also be used in place of, or in addition to, the lipid based ligand.

In another aspect, the ligand is a moiety, e.g., a vitamin, which is taken up by a target cell, e.g., a proliferating cell. These are particularly useful for treating disorders characterized by unwanted cell proliferation, e.g., of the malignant or non-malignant type, e.g., cancer cells. Exemplary vitamins include vitamin A, E, and K. Other exemplary vitamins include are B vitamin, e.g., folic acid, B12, riboflavin, biotin, pyridoxal or other vitamins or nutrients taken up by target cells such as liver cells. Also included are HSA and low density lipoprotein (LDL).

B. Cell Permeation Agents

In another aspect, the ligand is a cell-permeation agent, preferably a helical cell-permeation agent. Preferably, the agent is amphipathic. An exemplary agent is a peptide such as tat or antennopedia. If the agent is a peptide, it can be modified, including a peptidylmimetic, invertomers, non-peptide or pseudo-peptide linkages, and use of D-amino acids. The helical agent is preferably an alpha-helical agent, which preferably has a lipophilic and a lipophobic phase.

The ligand can be a peptide or peptidomimetic. A peptidomimetic (also referred to herein as an oligopeptidomimetic) is a molecule capable of folding into a defined three-dimensional structure similar to a natural peptide. The attachment of peptide and peptidomimetics to iRNA agents can affect pharmacokinetic distribution of the iRNA, such as by enhancing cellular recognition and absorption. The peptide or peptidomimetic moiety can be about 5-50 amino acids long, e.g., about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 amino acids long.

A peptide or peptidomimetic can be, for example, a cell permeation peptide, cationic peptide, amphipathic peptide, or hydrophobic peptide (e.g., consisting primarily of Tyr, Trp, or Phe). The peptide moiety can be a dendrimer peptide, constrained peptide or crosslinked peptide. In another alternative, the peptide moiety can include a hydrophobic membrane translocation sequence (MTS). An exemplary hydrophobic MTS-containing peptide is RFGF having the amino acid sequence AAVALLPAVLLALLAP (SEQ ID NO: 11). An RFGF analogue (e.g., amino acid sequence AALLPVLLAAP (SEQ ID NO:12) containing a hydrophobic MTS can also be a targeting moiety. The peptide moiety can be a “delivery” peptide, which can carry large polar molecules including peptides, oligonucleotides, and protein across cell membranes. For example, sequences from the HIV Tat protein (GRKKRRQRRRPPQ (SEQ ID NO: 13) and the Drosophila Antennapedia protein (RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKK (SEQ ID NO:14) have been found to be capable of functioning as delivery peptides. A peptide or peptidomimetic can be encoded by a random sequence of DNA, such as a peptide identified from a phage-display library, or one-bead-one-compound (OBOC) combinatorial library (Lam et al., Nature, 354:82-84, 1991). Examples of a peptide or peptidomimetic tethered to a dsRNA agent via an incorporated monomer unit for cell targeting purposes is an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-peptide, or RGD mimic. A peptide moiety can range in length from about 5 amino acids to about 40 amino acids. The peptide moieties can have a structural modification, such as to increase stability or direct conformational properties. Any of the structural modifications described below can be utilized.

An RGD peptide for use in the compositions and methods of the invention may be linear or cyclic, and may be modified, e.g., glycosylated or methylated, to facilitate targeting to a specific tissue(s). RGD-containing peptides and peptidiomimemtics may include D-amino acids, as well as synthetic RGD mimics. In addition to RGD, one can use other moieties that target the integrin ligand. Preferred conjugates of this ligand target PECAM-1 or VEGF.

A “cell permeation peptide” is capable of permeating a cell, e.g., a microbial cell, such as a bacterial or fungal cell, or a mammalian cell, such as a human cell. A microbial cell-permeating peptide can be, for example, an α-helical linear peptide (e.g., LL-37 or Ceropin P1), a disulfide bond-containing peptide (e.g., α-defensin, β-defensin or bactenecin), or a peptide containing only one or two dominating amino acids (e.g., PR-39 or indolicidin). A cell permeation peptide can also include a nuclear localization signal (NLS). For example, a cell permeation peptide can be a bipartite amphipathic peptide, such as MPG, which is derived from the fusion peptide domain of HIV-1 gp41 and the NLS of SV40 large T antigen (Simeoni et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 31:2717-2724, 2003).

C. Carbohydrate Conjugates

In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the invention, an iRNA further comprises a carbohydrate. The carbohydrate conjugated iRNA is advantageous for the in vivo delivery of nucleic acids, as well as compositions suitable for in vivo therapeutic use, as described herein. As used herein, “carbohydrate” refers to a compound which is either a carbohydrate per se made up of one or more monosaccharide units having at least 6 carbon atoms (which can be linear, branched or cyclic) with an oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atom bonded to each carbon atom; or a compound having as a part thereof a carbohydrate moiety made up of one or more monosaccharide units each having at least six carbon atoms (which can be linear, branched or cyclic), with an oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atom bonded to each carbon atom. Representative carbohydrates include the sugars (mono-, di-, tri-, and oligosaccharides containing from about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 monosaccharide units), and polysaccharides such as starches, glycogen, cellulose and polysaccharide gums. Specific monosaccharides include C5 and above (e.g., C5, C6, C7, or C8) sugars; di- and trisaccharides include sugars having two or three monosaccharide units (e.g., C5, C6, C7, or C8).

In one embodiment, a carbohydrate conjugate for use in the compositions and methods of the invention is a monosaccharide. In another embodiment, a carbohydrate conjugate for use in the compositions and methods of the invention is selected from the group consisting of:

In one embodiment, the monosaccharide is an N-acetylgalactosamine, such as

Another representative carbohydrate conjugate for use in the embodiments described herein includes, but is not limited to,

(Formula XXIII), when one of X or Y is an oligonucleotide, the other is a hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the GalNAc or GalNAc derivative is attached to an iRNA agent of the invention via a monovalent linker. In some embodiments, the GalNAc or GalNAc derivative is attached to an iRNA agent of the invention via a bivalent linker. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the GalNAc or GalNAc derivative is attached to an iRNA agent of the invention via a trivalent linker.

In one embodiment, the double stranded RNAi agents of the invention comprise one GalNAc or GalNAc derivative attached to the iRNA agent. In another embodiment, the double stranded RNAi agents of the invention comprise a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) GalNAc or GalNAc derivatives, each independently attached to a plurality of nucleotides of the double stranded RNAi agent through a plurality of monovalent linkers.

In some embodiments, for example, when the two strands of an iRNA agent of the invention are part of one larger molecule connected by an uninterrupted chain of nucleotides between the 3′-end of one strand and the 5′-end of the respective other strand forming a hairpin loop comprising, a plurality of unpaired nucleotides, each unpaired nucleotide within the hairpin loop may independently comprise a GalNAc or GalNAc derivative attached via a monovalent linker. The hairpin loop may also be formed by an extended overhang in one strand of the duplex.

In some embodiments, for example, when the two strands of an iRNA agent of the invention are part of one larger molecule connected by an uninterrupted chain of nucleotides between the 3′-end of one strand and the 5′-end of the respective other strand forming a hairpin loop comprising, a plurality of unpaired nucleotides, each unpaired nucleotide within the hairpin loop may independently comprise a GalNAc or GalNAc derivative attached via a monovalent linker. The hairpin loop may also be formed by an extended overhang in one strand of the duplex.

In some embodiments, the carbohydrate conjugate further comprises one or more additional ligands as described above, such as, but not limited to, a PK modulator or a cell permeation peptide.

Additional carbohydrate conjugates suitable for use in the present invention include those described in PCT Publication Nos. WO 2014/179620 and WO 2014/179627, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

D. Linkers

In some embodiments, the conjugate or ligand described herein can be attached to an iRNA oligonucleotide with various linkers that can be cleavable or non-cleavable.

The term “linker” or “linking group” means an organic moiety that connects two parts of a compound, e.g., covalently attaches two parts of a compound. Linkers typically comprise a direct bond or an atom such as oxygen or sulfur, a unit such as NR8, C(O), C(O)NH, SO, SO₂, SO₂NH or a chain of atoms, such as, but not limited to, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, heteroarylalkyl, heteroarylalkenyl, heteroarylalkynyl, heterocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkenyl, heterocyclylalkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkylarylalkyl, alkylarylalkenyl, alkylarylalkynyl, alkenylarylalkyl, alkenylarylalkenyl, alkenylarylalkynyl, alkynylarylalkyl, alkynylarylalkenyl, alkynylarylalkynyl, alkylheteroarylalkyl, alkylheteroarylalkenyl, alkylheteroarylalkynyl, alkenylheteroarylalkyl, alkenylheteroarylalkenyl, alkenylheteroarylalkynyl, alkynylheteroarylalkyl, alkynylheteroarylalkenyl, alkynylheteroarylalkynyl, alkylheterocyclylalkyl, alkylheterocyclylalkenyl, alkylhererocyclylalkynyl, alkenylheterocyclylalkyl, alkenylheterocyclylalkenyl, alkenylheterocyclylalkynyl, alkynylheterocyclylalkyl, alkynylheterocyclylalkenyl, alkynylheterocyclylalkynyl, alkylaryl, alkenylaryl, alkynylaryl, alkylheteroaryl, alkenylheteroaryl, alkynylhereroaryl, which one or more methylenes can be interrupted or terminated by O, S, S(O), SO₂, N(R8), C(O), substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, or substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic; where R8 is hydrogen, acyl, aliphatic, or substituted aliphatic. In one embodiment, the linker is about 1-24 atoms, 2-24, 3-24, 4-24, 5-24, 6-24, 6-18, 7-18, 8-18, 7-17, 8-17, 6-16, 7-16, or 8-16 atoms.

A cleavable linking group is one which is sufficiently stable outside the cell, but which upon entry into a target cell is cleaved to release the two parts the linker is holding together. In a preferred embodiment, the cleavable linking group is cleaved at least 10 times, 20, times, 30 times, 40 times, 50 times, 60 times, 70 times, 80 times, 90 times, or 100 times faster in a target cell or under a first reference condition (which can, e.g., be selected to mimic or represent intracellular conditions) than in the blood of a subject, or under a second reference condition (which can, e.g., be selected to mimic or represent conditions found in the blood or serum).

Cleavable linking groups are susceptible to cleavage agents, e.g., pH, redox potential, or the presence of degradative molecules. Generally, cleavage agents are more prevalent or found at higher levels or activities inside cells than in serum or blood. Examples of such degradative agents include: redox agents which are selected for particular substrates or which have no substrate specificity, including, e.g., oxidative or reductive enzymes or reductive agents such as mercaptans, present in cells, that can degrade a redox cleavable linking group by reduction; esterases; endosomes or agents that can create an acidic environment, e.g., those that result in a pH of five or lower; enzymes that can hydrolyze or degrade an acid cleavable linking group by acting as a general acid, peptidases (which can be substrate specific), and phosphatases.

A cleavable linkage group, such as a disulfide bond can be susceptible to pH. The pH of human serum is 7.4, while the average intracellular pH is slightly lower, ranging from about 7.1-7.3. Endosomes have a more acidic pH, in the range of 5.5-6.0, and lysosomes have an even more acidic pH at around 5.0. Some linkers will have a cleavable linking group that is cleaved at a preferred pH, thereby releasing a cationic lipid from the ligand inside the cell, or into the desired compartment of the cell.

A linker can include a cleavable linking group that is cleavable by a particular enzyme. The type of cleavable linking group incorporated into a linker can depend on the cell to be targeted. For example, a liver-targeting ligand can be linked to a cationic lipid through a linker that includes an ester group. Liver cells are rich in esterases, and therefore the linker will be cleaved more efficiently in liver cells than in cell types that are not esterase-rich. Other cell-types rich in esterases include cells of the lung, renal cortex, and testis.

Linkers that contain peptide bonds can be used when targeting cell types rich in peptidases, such as liver cells and synoviocytes.

In general, the suitability of a candidate cleavable linking group can be evaluated by testing the ability of a degradative agent (or condition) to cleave the candidate linking group. It will also be desirable to also test the candidate cleavable linking group for the ability to resist cleavage in the blood or when in contact with other non-target tissue. Thus, one can determine the relative susceptibility to cleavage between a first and a second condition, where the first is selected to be indicative of cleavage in a target cell and the second is selected to be indicative of cleavage in other tissues or biological fluids, e.g., blood or serum. The evaluations can be carried out in cell free systems, in cells, in cell culture, in organ or tissue culture, or in whole animals. It can be useful to make initial evaluations in cell-free or culture conditions and to confirm by further evaluations in whole animals. In preferred embodiments, useful candidate compounds are cleaved at least 2, 4, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 times faster in the cell (or under in vitro conditions selected to mimic intracellular conditions) as compared to blood or serum (or under in vitro conditions selected to mimic extracellular conditions).

i. Redox Cleavable Linking Groups

In certain embodiments, a cleavable linking group is a redox cleavable linking group that is cleaved upon reduction or oxidation. An example of reductively cleavable linking group is a disulphide linking group (—S—S—). To determine if a candidate cleavable linking group is a suitable “reductively cleavable linking group,” or for example is suitable for use with a particular iRNA moiety and particular targeting agent one can look to methods described herein. For example, a candidate can be evaluated by incubation with dithiothreitol (DTT), or other reducing agent using reagents know in the art, which mimic the rate of cleavage which would be observed in a cell, e.g., a target cell. The candidates can also be evaluated under conditions which are selected to mimic blood or serum conditions. In one, candidate compounds are cleaved by at most about 10% in the blood. In other embodiments, useful candidate compounds are degraded at least about 2, 4, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or about 100 times faster in the cell (or under in vitro conditions selected to mimic intracellular conditions) as compared to blood (or under in vitro conditions selected to mimic extracellular conditions). The rate of cleavage of candidate compounds can be determined using standard enzyme kinetics assays under conditions chosen to mimic intracellular media and compared to conditions chosen to mimic extracellular media.

ii. Phosphate-Based Cleavable Linking Groups

In other embodiments, a cleavable linker comprises a phosphate-based cleavable linking group. A phosphate-based cleavable linking group is cleaved by agents that degrade or hydrolyze the phosphate group. An example of an agent that cleaves phosphate groups in cells are enzymes such as phosphatases in cells. Examples of phosphate-based linking groups are —O—P(O)(ORk)-O—, —O—P(S)(ORk)-O—, —O—P(S)(SRk)-O—, —S—P(O)(ORk)-O—, —O—P(O)(ORk)-S—, —S—P(O)(ORk)-S—, —O—P(S)(ORk)-S—, —S—P(S)(ORk)-O—, —O—P(O)(Rk)-O—, —O—P(S)(Rk)-O—, —S—P(O)(Rk)-O—, —S—P(S)(Rk)-O—, —S—P(O)(Rk)-S—, —O—P(S)(Rk)-S—. Preferred embodiments are —O—P(O)(OH)—O—, —O—P(S)(OH)—O—, —O—P(S)(SH)—O—, —S—P(O)(OH)—O—, —O—P(O)(OH)—S—, —S—P(O)(OH)—S—, —O—P(S)(OH)—S—, —S—P(S)(OH)—O—, —O—P(O)(H)—O—, —O—P(S)(H)—O—, —S—P(O)(H)—O, —S—P(S)(H)—O—, —S—P(O)(H)—S—, and —O—P(S)(H)—S—. A preferred embodiment is —O—P(O)(OH)—O—. These candidates can be evaluated using methods analogous to those described above.

iii. Acid Cleavable Linking Groups

In other embodiments, a cleavable linker comprises an acid cleavable linking group. An acid cleavable linking group is a linking group that is cleaved under acidic conditions. In preferred embodiments acid cleavable linking groups are cleaved in an acidic environment with a pH of about 6.5 or lower (e.g., about 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, or lower), or by agents such as enzymes that can act as a general acid. In a cell, specific low pH organelles, such as endosomes and lysosomes can provide a cleaving environment for acid cleavable linking groups. Examples of acid cleavable linking groups include but are not limited to hydrazones, esters, and esters of amino acids. Acid cleavable groups can have the general formula —C═NN—, C(O)O, or —OC(O). A preferred embodiment is when the carbon attached to the oxygen of the ester (the alkoxy group) is an aryl group, substituted alkyl group, or tertiary alkyl group such as dimethyl pentyl or t-butyl. These candidates can be evaluated using methods analogous to those described above.

iv. Ester-Based Linking Groups

In other embodiments, a cleavable linker comprises an ester-based cleavable linking group. An ester-based cleavable linking group is cleaved by enzymes such as esterases and amidases in cells. Examples of ester-based cleavable linking groups include, but are not limited to, esters of alkylene, alkenylene and alkynylene groups. Ester cleavable linking groups have the general formula —C(O)O—, or —OC(O)—. These candidates can be evaluated using methods analogous to those described above.

v. Peptide-Based Cleaving Groups

In yet other embodiments, a cleavable linker comprises a peptide-based cleavable linking group. A peptide-based cleavable linking group is cleaved by enzymes such as peptidases and proteases in cells. Peptide-based cleavable linking groups are peptide bonds formed between amino acids to yield oligopeptides (e.g., dipeptides, tripeptides etc.) and polypeptides. Peptide-based cleavable groups do not include the amide group (—C(O)NH—). The amide group can be formed between any alkylene, alkenylene or alkynelene. A peptide bond is a special type of amide bond formed between amino acids to yield peptides and proteins. The peptide based cleavage group is generally limited to the peptide bond (i.e., the amide bond) formed between amino acids yielding peptides and proteins and does not include the entire amide functional group. Peptide-based cleavable linking groups have the general formula —NHCHRAC(O)NHCHRBC(O)—, where RA and RB are the R groups of the two adjacent amino acids. These candidates can be evaluated using methods analogous to those described above.

In some embodiments, an iRNA of the invention is conjugated to a carbohydrate through a linker. Non-limiting examples of iRNA carbohydrate conjugates with linkers of the compositions and methods of the invention include, but are not limited to,

when one of X or Y is an oligonucleotide, the other is a hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of the compositions and methods of the invention, a ligand is one or more “GalNAc” (N-acetylgalactosamine) derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.

In certain embodiments, a dsRNA of the invention is conjugated to a bivalent or trivalent branched linker selected from the group of structures shown in any of formula (XXXII)-(XXXV):

wherein:

q2A, q2B, q3A, q3B, q4A, q4B, q5A, q5B and q5C represent independently for each occurrence 0-20 and wherein the repeating unit can be the same or different;

P^(2A), P^(2B), P^(3A), P^(3B), P^(4A), P^(4B), P^(5A), P^(5B), P^(5C), T^(2A), T^(2B), T^(3A), T^(3B), T^(4A), T^(4B), T^(4A), T^(5B), T^(5C) are each independently for each occurrence absent, CO, NH, O, S, OC(O), NHC(O), CH₂, CH₂NH, or CH₂O;

Q^(2A), Q^(2B), Q^(3A), Q^(3B), Q^(4A), Q^(4B), Q^(5A), Q^(5B), Q^(5C) are independently for each occurrence absent, alkylene, substituted alkylene wherein one or more methylenes can be interrupted or terminated by one or more of O, S, S(O), SO₂, N(R^(N)), C(R′)═C(R″), C≡C, or C(O);

R^(2A), R^(2B), R^(3A), R^(3B), R^(4A), R^(4B), R^(5A), R^(5B), R^(5C) are each independently for each occurrence absent, NH, O, S, CH₂, C(O)O, C(O)NH, NHCH(R^(a))C(O), —C(O)—CH(R^(a))—NH—, CO, CH═N—O,

or heterocyclyl;

L^(2A), L^(2B), L^(3A), L^(3B), L^(4A), L^(4B), L^(5A), L^(5B), and L^(5C) represent the ligand; i.e. each independently for each occurrence a monosaccharide (such as GalNAc), disaccharide, trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide, oligosaccharide, or polysaccharide; and R^(a) is H or amino acid side chain. Trivalent conjugating GalNAc derivatives are particularly useful for use with RNAi agents for inhibiting the expression of a target gene, such as those of formula (XXXV):

-   -   wherein L^(5A), L^(5B) and L^(5C) represent a monosaccharide,         such as GalNAc derivative.

Examples of suitable bivalent and trivalent branched linker groups conjugating GalNAc derivatives include, but are not limited to, the structures recited above as formulas II, VII, XI, X, and XIII.

Representative US Patents that teach the preparation of RNA conjugates include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,828,979; 4,948,882; 5,218,105; 5,525,465; 5,541,313; 5,545,730; 5,552,538; 5,578,717, 5,580,731; 5,591,584; 5,109,124; 5,118,802; 5,138,045; 5,414,077; 5,486,603; 5,512,439; 5,578,718; 5,608,046; 4,587,044; 4,605,735; 4,667,025; 4,762,779; 4,789,737; 4,824,941; 4,835,263; 4,876,335; 4,904,582; 4,958,013; 5,082,830; 5,112,963; 5,214,136; 5,082,830; 5,112,963; 5,214,136; 5,245,022; 5,254,469; 5,258,506; 5,262,536; 5,272,250; 5,292,873; 5,317,098; 5,371,241, 5,391,723; 5,416,203, 5,451,463; 5,510,475; 5,512,667; 5,514,785; 5,565,552; 5,567,810; 5,574,142; 5,585,481; 5,587,371; 5,595,726; 5,597,696; 5,599,923; 5,599,928; 5,688,941; 6,294,664; 6,320,017; 6,576,752; 6,783,931; 6,900,297; 7,037,646; and 8,106,022, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

It is not necessary for all positions in a given compound to be uniformly modified, and in fact more than one of the aforementioned modifications can be incorporated in a single compound or even at a single nucleoside within an iRNA. The present invention also includes iRNA compounds that are chimeric compounds.

“Chimeric” iRNA compounds or “chimeras,” in the context of this invention, are iRNA compounds, preferably dsRNAi agents, that contain two or more chemically distinct regions, each made up of at least one monomer unit, i.e., a nucleotide in the case of a dsRNA compound. These iRNAs typically contain at least one region wherein the RNA is modified so as to confer upon the iRNA increased resistance to nuclease degradation, increased cellular uptake, or increased binding affinity for the target nucleic acid. An additional region of the iRNA can serve as a substrate for enzymes capable of cleaving RNA:DNA or RNA:RNA hybrids. By way of example, RNase H is a cellular endonuclease which cleaves the RNA strand of an RNA:DNA duplex. Activation of RNase H, therefore, results in cleavage of the RNA target, thereby greatly enhancing the efficiency of iRNA inhibition of gene expression. Consequently, comparable results can often be obtained with shorter iRNAs when chimeric dsRNAs are used, compared to phosphorothioate deoxy dsRNAs hybridizing to the same target region. Cleavage of the RNA target can be routinely detected by gel electrophoresis and, if necessary, associated nucleic acid hybridization techniques known in the art.

In certain instances, the RNA of an iRNA can be modified by a non-ligand group. A number of non-ligand molecules have been conjugated to iRNAs in order to enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the iRNA, and procedures for performing such conjugations are available in the scientific literature. Such non-ligand moieties have included lipid moieties, such as cholesterol (Kubo, T. et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm., 2007, 365(1):54-61; Letsinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1989, 86:6553), cholic acid (Manoharan et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1994, 4:1053), a thioether, e.g., hexyl-S-tritylthiol (Manoharan et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1992, 660:306; Manoharan et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1993, 3:2765), a thiocholesterol (Oberhauser et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1992, 20:533), an aliphatic chain, e.g., dodecandiol or undecyl residues (Saison-Behmoaras et al., EMBO J., 1991, 10:111; Kabanov et al., FEBS Lett., 1990, 259:327; Svinarchuk et al., Biochimie, 1993, 75:49), a phospholipid, e.g., di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or triethylammonium 1,2-di-O-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-H-phosphonate (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36:3651; Shea et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1990, 18:3777), a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain (Manoharan et al., Nucleosides & Nucleotides, 1995, 14:969), or adamantane acetic acid (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36:3651), a palmityl moiety (Mishra et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1995, 1264:229), or an octadecylamine or hexylamino-carbonyl-oxycholesterol moiety (Crooke et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1996, 277:923). Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of such RNA conjugates have been listed above. Typical conjugation protocols involve the synthesis of RNAs bearing an aminolinker at one or more positions of the sequence. The amino group is then reacted with the molecule being conjugated using appropriate coupling or activating reagents. The conjugation reaction can be performed either with the RNA still bound to the solid support or following cleavage of the RNA, in solution phase. Purification of the RNA conjugate by HPLC typically affords the pure conjugate.

IV. Delivery of an iRNA of the Invention

The delivery of an iRNA of the invention to a cell e.g., a cell within a subject, such as a human subject (e.g., a subject in need thereof, such as a subject having a disease, disorder, or condition associated with XDH gene expression) can be achieved in a number of different ways. For example, delivery may be performed by contacting a cell with an iRNA of the invention either in vitro or in vivo. In vivo delivery may also be performed directly by administering a composition comprising an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA, to a subject. Alternatively, in vivo delivery may be performed indirectly by administering one or more vectors that encode and direct the expression of the iRNA. These alternatives are discussed further below.

In general, any method of delivering a nucleic acid molecule (in vitro or in vivo) can be adapted for use with an iRNA of the invention (see e.g., Akhtar S. and Julian R L. (1992) Trends Cell. Biol. 2(5):139-144 and WO94/02595, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties). For in vivo delivery, factors to consider in order to deliver an iRNA molecule include, for example, biological stability of the delivered molecule, prevention of non-specific effects, and accumulation of the delivered molecule in the target tissue. The non-specific effects of an iRNA can be minimized by local administration, for example, by direct injection or implantation into a tissue or topically administering the preparation. Local administration to a treatment site maximizes local concentration of the agent, limits the exposure of the agent to systemic tissues that can otherwise be harmed by the agent or that can degrade the agent, and permits a lower total dose of the iRNA molecule to be administered. Several studies have shown successful knockdown of gene products when a dsRNAi agent is administered locally. For example, intraocular delivery of a VEGF dsRNA by intravitreal injection in cynomolgus monkeys (Tolentino, M J, et al (2004) Retina 24:132-138) and subretinal injections in mice (Reich, S J., et al (2003) Mol. Vis. 9:210-216) were both shown to prevent neovascularization in an experimental model of age-related macular degeneration. In addition, direct intratumoral injection of a dsRNA in mice reduces tumor volume (Pille, J., et al (2005) Mol. Ther. 11:267-274) and can prolong survival of tumor-bearing mice (Kim, W J., et al (2006) Mol. Ther. 14:343-350; Li, S., et al (2007) Mol. Ther. 15:515-523). RNA interference has also shown success with local delivery to the CNS by direct injection (Dorn, G., et al. (2004) Nucleic Acids 32:e49; Tan, P H., et al (2005) Gene Ther. 12:59-66; Makimura, H., et al (2002) BMC Neurosci. 3:18; Shishkina, G T., et al (2004) Neuroscience 129:521-528; Thakker, E R., et al (2004) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 101:17270-17275; Akaneya, Y., et al (2005) J. Neurophysiol. 93:594-602) and to the lungs by intranasal administration (Howard, K A., et al (2006) Mol. Ther. 14:476-484; Zhang, X., et al (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279:10677-10684; Bitko, V., et al (2005) Nat. Med. 11:50-55). For administering an iRNA systemically for the treatment of a disease, the RNA can be modified or alternatively delivered using a drug delivery system; both methods act to prevent the rapid degradation of the dsRNA by endo- and exo-nucleases in vivo. Modification of the RNA or the pharmaceutical carrier can also permit targeting of the iRNA to the target tissue and avoid undesirable off-target effects. iRNA molecules can be modified by chemical conjugation to lipophilic groups such as cholesterol to enhance cellular uptake and prevent degradation. For example, an iRNA directed against ApoB conjugated to a lipophilic cholesterol moiety was injected systemically into mice and resulted in knockdown of apoB mRNA in both the liver and jejunum (Soutschek, J., et al (2004) Nature 432:173-178). Conjugation of an iRNA to an aptamer has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and mediate tumor regression in a mouse model of prostate cancer (McNamara, J O, et al (2006) Nat. Biotechnol. 24:1005-1015). In an alternative embodiment, the iRNA can be delivered using drug delivery systems such as a nanoparticle, a dendrimer, a polymer, liposomes, or a cationic delivery system. Positively charged cationic delivery systems facilitate binding of an iRNA molecule (negatively charged) and also enhance interactions at the negatively charged cell membrane to permit efficient uptake of an iRNA by the cell. Cationic lipids, dendrimers, or polymers can either be bound to an iRNA, or induced to form a vesicle or micelle (see e.g., Kim S H, et al (2008) Journal of Controlled Release 129(2):107-116) that encases an iRNA. The formation of vesicles or micelles further prevents degradation of the iRNA when administered systemically. Methods for making and administering cationic-iRNA complexes are well within the abilities of one skilled in the art (see e.g., Sorensen, D R, et al (2003) J. Mol. Biol 327:761-766; Verma, U N, et al (2003) Clin. Cancer Res. 9:1291-1300; Arnold, A S et al (2007) J. Hypertens. 25:197-205, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). Some non-limiting examples of drug delivery systems useful for systemic delivery of iRNAs include DOTAP (Sorensen, D R., et al (2003), supra; Verma, U N, et al (2003), supra), Oligofectamine, “solid nucleic acid lipid particles” (Zimmermann, T S, et al (2006) Nature 441:111-114), cardiolipin (Chien, P Y, et al (2005) Cancer Gene Ther. 12:321-328; Pal, A, et al (2005) Int J. Oncol. 26:1087-1091), polyethyleneimine (Bonnet M E, et al (2008) Pharm. Res. August 16 Epub ahead of print; Aigner, A. (2006) J. Biomed. Biotechnol. 71659), Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides (Liu, S. (2006) Mol. Pharm. 3:472-487), and polyamidoamines (Tomalia, D A, et al (2007) Biochem. Soc. Trans. 35:61-67; Yoo, H., et al (1999) Pharm. Res. 16:1799-1804). In some embodiments, an iRNA forms a complex with cyclodextrin for systemic administration. Methods for administration and pharmaceutical compositions of iRNAs and cyclodextrins can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,427,605, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

A. Vector Encoded iRNAs of the Invention

iRNA targeting the XDH gene can be expressed from transcription units inserted into DNA or RNA vectors (see, e.g., Couture, A, et al., TIG. (1996), 12:5-10; Skillern, A, et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/22113, Conrad, International PCT Publication No. WO 00/22114, and Conrad, U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,299). Expression can be transient (on the order of hours to weeks) or sustained (weeks to months or longer), depending upon the specific construct used and the target tissue or cell type. These transgenes can be introduced as a linear construct, a circular plasmid, or a viral vector, which can be an integrating or non-integrating vector. The transgene can also be constructed to permit it to be inherited as an extrachromosomal plasmid (Gassmann, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1995) 92:1292).

The individual strand or strands of an iRNA can be transcribed from a promoter on an expression vector. Where two separate strands are to be expressed to generate, for example, a dsRNA, two separate expression vectors can be co-introduced (e.g., by transfection or infection) into a target cell. Alternatively each individual strand of a dsRNA can be transcribed by promoters both of which are located on the same expression plasmid. In one embodiment, a dsRNA is expressed as inverted repeat polynucleotides joined by a linker polynucleotide sequence such that the dsRNA has a stem and loop structure.

iRNA expression vectors are generally DNA plasmids or viral vectors. Expression vectors compatible with eukaryotic cells, preferably those compatible with vertebrate cells, can be used to produce recombinant constructs for the expression of an iRNA as described herein. Eukaryotic cell expression vectors are well known in the art and are available from a number of commercial sources. Typically, such vectors are provided containing convenient restriction sites for insertion of the desired nucleic acid segment. Delivery of iRNA expressing vectors can be systemic, such as by intravenous or intramuscular administration, by administration to target cells ex-planted from the patient followed by reintroduction into the patient, or by any other means that allows for introduction into a desired target cell.

Viral vector systems which can be utilized with the methods and compositions described herein include, but are not limited to, (a) adenovirus vectors; (b) retrovirus vectors, including but not limited to lentiviral vectors, moloney murine leukemia virus, etc.; (c) adeno-associated virus vectors; (d) herpes simplex virus vectors; (e) SV 40 vectors; (f) polyoma virus vectors; (g) papilloma virus vectors; (h) picornavirus vectors; (i) pox virus vectors such as an orthopox, e.g., vaccinia virus vectors or avipox, e.g. canary pox or fowl pox; and (j) a helper-dependent or gutless adenovirus. Replication-defective viruses can also be advantageous. Different vectors will or will not become incorporated into the cells' genome. The constructs can include viral sequences for transfection, if desired. Alternatively, the construct can be incorporated into vectors capable of episomal replication, e.g. EPV and EBV vectors. Constructs for the recombinant expression of an iRNA will generally require regulatory elements, e.g., promoters, enhancers, etc., to ensure the expression of the iRNA in target cells. Other aspects to consider for vectors and constructs are known in the art.

V. Pharmaceutical Compositions of the Invention

The present invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions and formulations which include the iRNAs of the invention. In one embodiment, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions containing an iRNA, as described herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical compositions containing the iRNA are useful for treating a disease or disorder associated with the expression or activity of an XDH gene. Such pharmaceutical compositions are formulated based on the mode of delivery. One example is compositions that are formulated for systemic administration via parenteral delivery, e.g., by subcutaneous (SC), intramuscular (IM), or intravenous (IV) delivery. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be administered in dosages sufficient to inhibit expression of an XDH gene.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be administered in dosages sufficient to inhibit expression of an XDH gene. In general, a suitable dose of an iRNA of the invention will be in the range of about 0.001 to about 200.0 milligrams per kilogram body weight of the recipient per day, generally in the range of about 1 to 50 mg per kilogram body weight per day. Typically, a suitable dose of an iRNA of the invention will be in the range of about 0.1 mg/kg to about 5.0 mg/kg, preferably about 0.3 mg/kg and about 3.0 mg/kg. A repeat-dose regimine may include administration of a therapeutic amount of iRNA on a regular basis, such as every other day or once a year. In certain embodiments, the iRNA is administered about once per month to about once per quarter (i.e., about once every three months).

After an initial treatment regimen, the treatments can be administered on a less frequent basis. For example, after administration weekly or biweekly for three months, administration can be repeated once per month, for six months, or a year; or longer.

The pharmaceutical composition can be administered once daily, or the iRNA can be administered as two, three, or more sub-doses at appropriate intervals throughout the day or even using continuous infusion or delivery through a controlled release formulation. In that case, the iRNA contained in each sub-dose must be correspondingly smaller in order to achieve the total daily dosage. The dosage unit can also be compounded for delivery over several days, e.g., using a conventional sustained release formulation which provides sustained release of the iRNA over a several day period. Sustained release formulations are well known in the art and are particularly useful for delivery of agents at a particular site, such as could be used with the agents of the present invention. In this embodiment, the dosage unit contains a corresponding multiple of the daily dose.

In other embodiments, a single dose of the pharmaceutical compositions can be long lasting, such that subsequent doses are administered at not more than 3, 4, or 5 day intervals, or at not more than 1, 2, 3, or 4 week intervals. In some embodiments of the invention, a single dose of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is administered once per week. In other embodiments of the invention, a single dose of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is administered bi-monthly.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that certain factors can influence the dosage and timing required to effectively treat a subject, including but not limited to the severity of the disease or disorder, previous treatments, the general health or age of the subject, and other diseases present. Moreover, treatment of a subject with a therapeutically effective amount of a composition can include a single treatment or a series of treatments. Estimates of effective dosages and in vivo half-lives for the individual iRNAs encompassed by the invention can be made using conventional methodologies or on the basis of in vivo testing using an appropriate animal model, as known in the art. For example, both genetic and induced models of hyperuricemia are known in the art. Genetic models of hyperuricemia include the B6; 129S7-Uox^(tm1Bay)/J mouse available from Jackson Laboratory (/jaxmice.jax.org/strain/002223.html) which develops hyperuricemia, with 10-fold higher levels of serum uric acid levels. Alternatively, hyperuricemia can be induced in rats by feeding with a uricase inhibitor (oxonic acid) in the diet (Mazzali et al., Hypertension 38:1101-1106, 2001; Habu et al., Biochem. Pharmacol. 66:1107-1114, 2003). Unlike humans, rats and mice have uricase which metabolises uric acid, therefore, the enzyme must be inhibited in small animal models. Such models and considerations are well known in the art.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be administered in a number of ways depending upon whether local or systemic treatment is desired and upon the area to be treated. Administration can be topical (e.g., by a transdermal patch), pulmonary, e.g., by inhalation or insufflation of powders or aerosols, including by nebulizer; intratracheal, intranasal, epidermal and transdermal, oral or parenteral. Parenteral administration includes intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, or intramuscular injection or infusion; subdermal, e.g., via an implanted device; or intracranial, e.g., by intraparenchymal, intrathecal or intraventricular administration.

The iRNA can be delivered in a manner to target a particular tissue (e.g., vascular endothelial cells).

Pharmaceutical compositions and formulations for topical or transdermal administration can include transdermal patches, ointments, lotions, creams, gels, drops, suppositories, sprays, liquids and powders. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers, aqueous, powder or oily bases, thickeners and the like can be necessary or desirable. Coated condoms, gloves and the like can also be useful. Suitable topical formulations include those in which the iRNAs featured in the invention are in admixture with a topical delivery agent such as lipids, liposomes, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, steroids, chelating agents and surfactants. Suitable lipids and liposomes include neutral (e.g., dioleoylphosphatidyl DOPE ethanolamine, dimyristoylphosphatidyl choline DMPC, distearolyphosphatidyl choline) negative (e.g., dimyristoylphosphatidyl glycerol DMPG) and cationic (e.g., dioleoyltetramethylaminopropyl DOTAP and dioleoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine DOTMA). iRNAs featured in the invention can be encapsulated within liposomes or can form complexes thereto, in particular to cationic liposomes. Alternatively, iRNAs can be complexed to lipids, in particular to cationic lipids. Suitable fatty acids and esters include but are not limited to arachidonic acid, oleic acid, eicosanoic acid, lauric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, monoolein, dilaurin, glyceryl 1-monocaprate, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, an acylcarnitine, an acylcholine, or a C₁₋₂₀ alkyl ester (e.g., isopropylmyristate IPM), monoglyceride, diglyceride or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof). Topical formulations are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,747,014, which is incorporated herein by reference.

A. iRNA Formulations Comprising Membranous Molecular Assemblies

An iRNA for use in the compositions and methods of the invention can be formulated for delivery in a membranous molecular assembly, e.g., a liposome or a micelle. As used herein, the term “liposome” refers to a vesicle composed of amphiphilic lipids arranged in at least one bilayer, e.g., one bilayer or a plurality of bilayers. Liposomes include unilamellar and multilamellar vesicles that have a membrane formed from a lipophilic material and an aqueous interior. The aqueous portion contains the iRNA. The lipophilic material isolates the aqueous interior from an aqueous exterior, which typically does not include the iRNA composition, although in some examples, it may. Liposomes are useful for the transfer and delivery of active ingredients to the site of action. Because the liposomal membrane is structurally similar to biological membranes, when liposomes are applied to a tissue, the liposomal bilayer fuses with bilayer of the cellular membranes. As the merging of the liposome and cell progresses, the internal aqueous contents that include the iRNA are delivered into the cell where the iRNA can specifically bind to a target RNA and can mediate RNA interference. In some cases the liposomes are also specifically targeted, e.g., to direct the iRNA to particular cell types.

A liposome containing an iRNA agent can be prepared by a variety of methods. In one example, the lipid component of a liposome is dissolved in a detergent so that micelles are formed with the lipid component. For example, the lipid component can be an amphipathic cationic lipid or lipid conjugate. The detergent can have a high critical micelle concentration and may be nonionic. Exemplary detergents include cholate, CHAPS, octylglucoside, deoxycholate, and lauroyl sarcosine. The iRNA agent preparation is then added to the micelles that include the lipid component. The cationic groups on the lipid interact with the iRNA agent and condense around the iRNA agent to form a liposome. After condensation, the detergent is removed, e.g., by dialysis, to yield a liposomal preparation of iRNA agent.

If necessary a carrier compound that assists in condensation can be added during the condensation reaction, e.g., by controlled addition. For example, the carrier compound can be a polymer other than a nucleic acid (e.g., spermine or spermidine). pH can also adjusted to favor condensation.

Methods for producing stable polynucleotide delivery vehicles, which incorporate a polynucleotide/cationic lipid complex as structural components of the delivery vehicle, are further described in, e.g., WO 96/37194, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Liposome formation can also include one or more aspects of exemplary methods described in Felgner, P. L. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 8:7413-7417, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,355; U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,678; Bangham, et al. M. Mol. Biol. 23:238, 1965; Olson, et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 557:9, 1979; Szoka, et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 75: 4194, 1978; Mayhew, et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 775:169, 1984; Kim, et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 728:339, 1983; and Fukunaga, et al. Endocrinol. 115:757, 1984. Commonly used techniques for preparing lipid aggregates of appropriate size for use as delivery vehicles include sonication and freeze-thaw plus extrusion (see, e.g., Mayer, et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 858:161, 1986). Microfluidization can be used when consistently small (50 to 200 nm) and relatively uniform aggregates are desired (Mayhew, et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 775:169, 1984). These methods are readily adapted to packaging iRNA agent preparations into liposomes.

Liposomes fall into two broad classes. Cationic liposomes are positively charged liposomes which interact with the negatively charged nucleic acid molecules to form a stable complex. The positively charged nucleic acid/liposome complex binds to the negatively charged cell surface and is internalized in an endosome. Due to the acidic pH within the endosome, the liposomes are ruptured, releasing their contents into the cell cytoplasm (Wang et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 1987, 147, 980-985).

Liposomes which are pH-sensitive or negatively-charged, entrap nucleic acids rather than complex with it. Since both the nucleic acid and the lipid are similarly charged, repulsion rather than complex formation occurs. Nevertheless, some nucleic acid is entrapped within the aqueous interior of these liposomes. pH-sensitive liposomes have been used to deliver nucleic acids encoding the thymidine kinase gene to cell monolayers in culture. Expression of the exogenous gene was detected in the target cells (Zhou et al., Journal of Controlled Release, 1992, 19, 269-274).

One major type of liposomal composition includes phospholipids other than naturally-derived phosphatidylcholine. Neutral liposome compositions, for example, can be formed from dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Anionic liposome compositions generally are formed from dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol, while anionic fusogenic liposomes are formed primarily from dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE). Another type of liposomal composition is formed from phosphatidylcholine (PC) such as, for example, soybean PC, and egg PC. Another type is formed from mixtures of two or more of phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine, and cholesterol.

Examples of other methods to introduce liposomes into cells in vitro and in vivo include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,283,185 and 5,171,678; WO 94/00569; WO 93/24640; WO 91/16024; Felgner, J. Biol. Chem. 269:2550, 1994; Nabel, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 90:11307, 1993; Nabel, Human Gene Ther. 3:649, 1992; Gershon, Biochem. 32:7143, 1993; and Strauss EMBO J. 11:417, 1992.

Non-ionic liposomal systems have also been examined to determine their utility in the delivery of drugs to the skin, in particular systems comprising non-ionic surfactant and cholesterol. Non-ionic liposomal formulations comprising Novasome™ I (glyceryl dilaurate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene-10-stearyl ether) and Novasome™ II (glyceryl distearate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene-10-stearyl ether) were used to deliver cyclosporin-A into the dermis of mouse skin. Results indicated that such non-ionic liposomal systems were effective in facilitating the deposition of cyclosporine A into different layers of the skin (Hu et al. S. T. P. Pharma. Sci., 1994, 4(6) 466).

Liposomes also include “sterically stabilized” liposomes, a term which, as used herein, refers to liposomes comprising one or more specialized lipids that, when incorporated into liposomes, result in enhanced circulation lifetimes relative to liposomes lacking such specialized lipids. Examples of sterically stabilized liposomes are those in which part of the vesicle-forming lipid portion of the liposome (A) comprises one or more glycolipids, such as monosialoganglioside G_(M1), or (B) is derivatized with one or more hydrophilic polymers, such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is thought in the art that, at least for sterically stabilized liposomes containing gangliosides, sphingomyelin, or PEG-derivatized lipids, the enhanced circulation half-life of these sterically stabilized liposomes derives from a reduced uptake into cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) (Allen et al., FEBS Letters, 1987, 223, 42; Wu et al., Cancer Research, 1993, 53, 3765).

Various liposomes comprising one or more glycolipids are known in the art. Papahadjopoulos et al. (Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci., 1987, 507, 64) reported the ability of monosialoganglioside G_(M1), galactocerebroside sulfate and phosphatidylinositol to improve blood half-lives of liposomes. These findings were expounded upon by Gabizon et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 1988, 85, 6949). U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,028 and WO 88/04924, both to Allen et al., disclose liposomes comprising (1) sphingomyelin and (2) the ganglioside G_(M1) or a galactocerebroside sulfate ester. U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,152 (Webb et al.) discloses liposomes comprising sphingomyelin. Liposomes comprising 1,2-sn-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine are disclosed in WO 97/13499 (Lim et al).

In some embodiments, cationic liposomes are used. Cationic liposomes possess the advantage of being able to fuse to the cell membrane. Non-cationic liposomes, although not able to fuse as efficiently with the plasma membrane, are taken up by macrophages in vivo and can be used to deliver iRNA agents to macrophages.

Further advantages of liposomes include: liposomes obtained from natural phospholipids are biocompatible and biodegradable; liposomes can incorporate a wide range of water and lipid soluble drugs; liposomes can protect encapsulated iRNAs in their internal compartments from metabolism and degradation (Rosoff, in “Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms,” Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, volume 1, p. 245). Important considerations in the preparation of liposome formulations are the lipid surface charge, vesicle size, and the aqueous volume of the liposomes.

A positively charged synthetic cationic lipid, N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) can be used to form small liposomes that interact spontaneously with nucleic acid to form lipid-nucleic acid complexes which are capable of fusing with the negatively charged lipids of the cell membranes of tissue culture cells, resulting in delivery of iRNA agent (see, e.g., Felgner, P. L. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 8:7413-7417, 1987 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,355 for a description of DOTMA and its use with DNA).

A DOTMA analogue, 1,2-bis(oleoyloxy)-3-(trimethylammonia)propane (DOTAP) can be used in combination with a phospholipid to form DNA-complexing vesicles. Lipofectin™ (Bethesda Research Laboratories, Gaithersburg, Md.) is an effective agent for the delivery of highly anionic nucleic acids into living tissue culture cells that comprise positively charged DOTMA liposomes which interact spontaneously with negatively charged polynucleotides to form complexes. When enough positively charged liposomes are used, the net charge on the resulting complexes is also positive. Positively charged complexes prepared in this way spontaneously attach to negatively charged cell surfaces, fuse with the plasma membrane, and efficiently deliver functional nucleic acids into, for example, tissue culture cells. Another commercially available cationic lipid, 1,2-bis(oleoyloxy)-3,3-(trimethylammonia)propane (“DOTAP”) (Boehringer Mannheim, Indianapolis, Ind.) differs from DOTMA in that the oleoyl moieties are linked by ester, rather than ether linkages.

Other reported cationic lipid compounds include those that have been conjugated to a variety of moieties including, for example, carboxyspermine which has been conjugated to one of two types of lipids and includes compounds such as 5-carboxyspermylglycine dioctaoleoylamide (“DOGS”) (Transfectam™, Promega, Madison, Wis.) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine 5-carboxyspermyl-amide (“DPPES”) (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,678).

Another cationic lipid conjugate includes derivatization of the lipid with cholesterol (“DC-Chol”) which has been formulated into liposomes in combination with DOPE (See, Gao, X. and Huang, L., Biochim. Biophys. Res. Commun. 179:280, 1991). Lipopolylysine, made by conjugating polylysine to DOPE, has been reported to be effective for transfection in the presence of serum (Zhou, X. et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1065:8, 1991). For certain cell lines, these liposomes containing conjugated cationic lipids, are said to exhibit lower toxicity and provide more efficient transfection than the DOTMA-containing compositions. Other commercially available cationic lipid products include DMRIE and DMRIE-HP (Vical, La Jolla, Calif.) and Lipofectamine (DOSPA) (Life Technology, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.). Other cationic lipids suitable for the delivery of oligonucleotides are described in WO 98/39359 and WO 96/37194.

Liposomal formulations are particularly suited for topical administration, liposomes present several advantages over other formulations. Such advantages include reduced side effects related to high systemic absorption of the administered drug, increased accumulation of the administered drug at the desired target, and the ability to administer iRNA agent into the skin. In some implementations, liposomes are used for delivering iRNA agent to epidermal cells and also to enhance the penetration of iRNA agent into dermal tissues, e.g., into skin. For example, the liposomes can be applied topically. Topical delivery of drugs formulated as liposomes to the skin has been documented (see, e.g., Weiner et al., Journal of Drug Targeting, 1992, vol. 2,405-410 and du Plessis et al., Antiviral Research, 18, 1992, 259-265; Mannino, R. J. and Fould-Fogerite, S., Biotechniques 6:682-690, 1988; Itani, T. et al. Gene 56:267-276. 1987; Nicolau, C. et al. Meth. Enz. 149:157-176, 1987; Straubinger, R. M. and Papahadjopoulos, D. Meth. Enz. 101:512-527, 1983; Wang, C. Y. and Huang, L., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:7851-7855, 1987).

Non-ionic liposomal systems have also been examined to determine their utility in the delivery of drugs to the skin, in particular systems comprising non-ionic surfactant and cholesterol. Non-ionic liposomal formulations comprising Novasome™ I (glyceryl dilaurate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene-10-stearyl ether) and Novasome™ II (glyceryl distearate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene-10-stearyl ether) were used to deliver a drug into the dermis of mouse skin. Such formulations with iRNA agent are useful for treating a dermatological disorder.

Liposomes that include iRNA can be made highly deformable. Such deformability can enable the liposomes to penetrate through pore that are smaller than the average radius of the liposome. For example, transfersomes are a type of deformable liposomes. Transferosomes can be made by adding surface edge activators, usually surfactants, to a standard liposomal composition. Transfersomes that include iRNAs can be delivered, for example, subcutaneously by infection in order to deliver iRNAs to keratinocytes in the skin. In order to cross intact mammalian skin, lipid vesicles must pass through a series of fine pores, each with a diameter less than 50 nm, under the influence of a suitable transdermal gradient. In addition, due to the lipid properties, these transferosomes can be self-optimizing (adaptive to the shape of pores, e.g., in the skin), self-repairing, and can frequently reach their targets without fragmenting, and often self-loading.

Other formulations amenable to the present invention are described in WO/2008/042973.

Transfersomes are yet another type of liposomes, and are highly deformable lipid aggregates which are attractive candidates for drug delivery vehicles. Transfersomes can be described as lipid droplets which are so highly deformable that they are easily able to penetrate through pores which are smaller than the droplet. Transfersomes are adaptable to the environment in which they are used, e.g., they are self-optimizing (adaptive to the shape of pores in the skin), self-repairing, frequently reach their targets without fragmenting, and often self-loading. To make transfersomes it is possible to add surface edge-activators, usually surfactants, to a standard liposomal composition. Transfersomes have been used to deliver serum albumin to the skin. The transfersome-mediated delivery of serum albumin has been shown to be as effective as subcutaneous injection of a solution containing serum albumin.

Surfactants find wide application in formulations such as emulsions (including microemulsions) and liposomes. The most common way of classifying and ranking the properties of the many different types of surfactants, both natural and synthetic, is by the use of the hydrophile/lipophile balance (HLB). The nature of the hydrophilic group (also known as the “head”) provides the most useful means for categorizing the different surfactants used in formulations (Rieger, in “Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms”, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1988, p. 285).

If the surfactant molecule is not ionized, it is classified as a nonionic surfactant. Nonionic surfactants find wide application in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and are usable over a wide range of pH values. In general their HLB values range from 2 to about 18 depending on their structure. Nonionic surfactants include nonionic esters such as ethylene glycol esters, propylene glycol esters, glyceryl esters, polyglyceryl esters, sorbitan esters, sucrose esters, and ethoxylated esters. Nonionic alkanolamides and ethers such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, propoxylated alcohols, and ethoxylated/propoxylated block polymers are also included in this class. The polyoxyethylene surfactants are the most popular members of the nonionic surfactant class.

If the surfactant molecule carries a negative charge when it is dissolved or dispersed in water, the surfactant is classified as anionic. Anionic surfactants include carboxylates such as soaps, acyl lactylates, acyl amides of amino acids, esters of sulfuric acid such as alkyl sulfates and ethoxylated alkyl sulfates, sulfonates such as alkyl benzene sulfonates, acyl isethionates, acyl taurates and sulfosuccinates, and phosphates. The most important members of the anionic surfactant class are the alkyl sulfates and the soaps.

If the surfactant molecule carries a positive charge when it is dissolved or dispersed in water, the surfactant is classified as cationic. Cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salts and ethoxylated amines. The quaternary ammonium salts are the most used members of this class.

If the surfactant molecule has the ability to carry either a positive or negative charge, the surfactant is classified as amphoteric. Amphoteric surfactants include acrylic acid derivatives, substituted alkylamides, N-alkylbetaines and phosphatides.

The use of surfactants in drug products, formulations and in emulsions has been reviewed (Rieger, in “Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms”, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1988, p. 285).

The iRNA for use in the methods of the invention can also be provided as micellar formulations. “Micelles” are defined herein as a particular type of molecular assembly in which amphipathic molecules are arranged in a spherical structure such that all the hydrophobic portions of the molecules are directed inward, leaving the hydrophilic portions in contact with the surrounding aqueous phase. The converse arrangement exists if the environment is hydrophobic.

A mixed micellar formulation suitable for delivery through transdermal membranes may be prepared by mixing an aqueous solution of iRNA, an alkali metal C₈ to C₂₂ alkyl sulphate, and a micelle forming compounds. Exemplary micelle forming compounds include lecithin, hyaluronic acid, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, chamomile extract, cucumber extract, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, monoolein, monooleates, monolaurates, borage oil, evening of primrose oil, menthol, trihydroxy oxo cholanyl glycine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, glycerin, polyglycerin, lysine, polylysine, triolein, polyoxyethylene ethers and analogues thereof, polidocanol alkyl ethers and analogues thereof, chenodeoxycholate, deoxycholate, and mixtures thereof. The micelle forming compounds may be added at the same time or after addition of the alkali metal alkyl sulphate. Mixed micelles will form with substantially any kind of mixing of the ingredients but vigorous mixing in order to provide smaller size micelles.

In one method a first micellar composition is prepared which contains the RNAi and at least the alkali metal alkyl sulphate. The first micellar composition is then mixed with at least three micelle forming compounds to form a mixed micellar composition. In another method, the micellar composition is prepared by mixing the RNAi, the alkali metal alkyl sulphate and at least one of the micelle forming compounds, followed by addition of the remaining micelle forming compounds, with vigorous mixing.

Phenol or m-cresol may be added to the mixed micellar composition to stabilize the formulation and protect against bacterial growth. Alternatively, phenol or m-cresol may be added with the micelle forming ingredients. An isotonic agent such as glycerin may also be added after formation of the mixed micellar composition.

For delivery of the micellar formulation as a spray, the formulation can be put into an aerosol dispenser and the dispenser is charged with a propellant. The propellant, which is under pressure, is in liquid form in the dispenser. The ratios of the ingredients are adjusted so that the aqueous and propellant phases become one, i.e., there is one phase. If there are two phases, it is necessary to shake the dispenser prior to dispensing a portion of the contents, e.g., through a metered valve. The dispensed dose of pharmaceutical agent is propelled from the metered valve in a fine spray.

Propellants may include hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbons, hydrogen-containing fluorocarbons, dimethyl ether and diethyl ether. In certain embodiments, HFA 134a (1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane) may be used.

The specific concentrations of the essential ingredients can be determined by relatively straightforward experimentation. For absorption through the oral cavities, it is often desirable to increase, e.g., at least double or triple, the dosage for through injection or administration through the gastrointestinal tract.

B. Lipid Particles

iRNAs, e.g., dsRNAi agents of in the invention may be fully encapsulated in a lipid formulation, e.g., a LNP, or other nucleic acid-lipid particle.

As used herein, the term “LNP” refers to a stable nucleic acid-lipid particle. LNPs typically contain a cationic lipid, a non-cationic lipid, and a lipid that prevents aggregation of the particle (e.g., a PEG-lipid conjugate). LNPs are extremely useful for systemic applications, as they exhibit extended circulation lifetimes following intravenous (i.v.) injection and accumulate at distal sites (e.g., sites physically separated from the administration site). LNPs include “pSPLP,” which include an encapsulated condensing agent-nucleic acid complex as set forth in PCT Publication No. WO 00/03683. The particles of the present invention typically have a mean diameter of about 50 nm to about 150 nm, more typically about 60 nm to about 130 nm, more typically about 70 nm to about 110 nm, most typically about 70 nm to about 90 nm, and are substantially nontoxic. In addition, the nucleic acids when present in the nucleic acid-lipid particles of the present invention are resistant in aqueous solution to degradation with a nuclease. Nucleic acid-lipid particles and their method of preparation are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,976,567; 5,981,501; 6,534,484; 6,586,410; 6,815,432; US Publication No. 2010/0324120 and PCT Publication No. WO 96/40964.

In one embodiment, the lipid to drug ratio (mass/mass ratio) (e.g., lipid to dsRNA ratio) will be in the range of from about 1:1 to about 50:1, from about 1:1 to about 25:1, from about 3:1 to about 15:1, from about 4:1 to about 10:1, from about 5:1 to about 9:1, or about 6:1 to about 9:1. Ranges intermediate to the above recited ranges are also contemplated to be part of the invention.

The cationic lipid can be, for example, N,N-dioleyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride (DODAC), N,N-distearyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), N—(I-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP), N—(I-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA), N,N-dimethyl-2,3-dioleyloxy)propylamine (DODMA), 1,2-DiLinoleyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA), 1,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLenDMA), 1,2-Dilinoleylcarbamoyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-C-DAP), 1,2-Dilinoleyoxy-3-(dimethylamino)acetoxypropane (DLin-DAC), 1,2-Dilinoleyoxy-3-morpholinopropane (DLin-MA), 1,2-Dilinoleoyl-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDAP), 1,2-Dilinoleylthio-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-S-DMA), 1-Linoleoyl-2-linoleyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-2-DMAP), 1,2-Dilinoleyloxy-3-trimethylaminopropane chloride salt (DLin-TMA.C1), 1,2-Dilinoleoyl-3-trimethylaminopropane chloride salt (DLin-TAP.C1), 1,2-Dilinoleyloxy-3-(N-methylpiperazino)propane (DLin-MPZ), or 3-(N,N-Dilinoleylamino)-1,2-propanediol (DLinAP), 3-(N,N-Dioleylamino)-1,2-propanedio (DOAP), 1,2-Dilinoleyloxo-3-(2-N,N-dimethylamino)ethoxypropane (DLin-EG-DMA), 1,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA), 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane (DLin-K-DMA) or analogs thereof, (3aR,5s,6aS)-N,N-dimethyl-2,2-di((9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienyl)tetrahydro-3aH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-5-amine (ALN100), (6Z,9Z,28Z,31Z)-heptatriaconta-6,9,28,31-tetraen-19-yl 4-(dimethylamino)butanoate (MC3), 1,1′-(2-(4-(2-((2-(bis(2-hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)(2-hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethylazanediyl)didodecan-2-ol (Tech G1), or a mixture thereof. The cationic lipid can comprise from about 20 mol % to about 50 mol % or about 40 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle.

In some embodiments, the compound 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane can be used to prepare lipid-siRNA nanoparticles.

In some embodiments, the lipid-siRNA particle includes 40% 2, 2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane: 10% DSPC: 40% Cholesterol: 10% PEG-C-DOMG (mole percent) with a particle size of 63.0±20 nm and a 0.027 siRNA/Lipid Ratio.

The ionizable/non-cationic lipid can be an anionic lipid or a neutral lipid including, but not limited to, distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG), dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG), dioleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC), palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (POPE), dioleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine 4-(N-maleimidomethyl)-cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (DOPE-mal), dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (DPPE), dimyristoylphosphoethanolamine (DMPE), distearoyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (DSPE), 16-O-monomethyl PE, 16-O-dimethyl PE, 18-1-trans PE, 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidyethanolamine (SOPE), cholesterol, or a mixture thereof. The non-cationic lipid can be from about 5 mol % to about 90 mol %, about 10 mol %, or about 58 mol % if cholesterol is included, of the total lipid present in the particle.

The conjugated lipid that inhibits aggregation of particles can be, for example, a polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-lipid including, without limitation, a PEG-diacylglycerol (DAG), a PEG-dialkyloxypropyl (DAA), a PEG-phospholipid, a PEG-ceramide (Cer), or a mixture thereof. The PEG-DAA conjugate can be, for example, a PEG-dilauryloxypropyl (Ci₂), a PEG-dimyristyloxypropyl (Ci₄), a PEG-dipalmityloxypropyl (Ci₆), or a PEG-distearyloxypropyl (C]₈). The conjugated lipid that prevents aggregation of particles can be from 0 mol % to about 20 mol % or about 2 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-lipid particle further includes cholesterol at, e.g., about 10 mol % to about 60 mol % or about 48 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle.

In one embodiment, the lipidoid ND98.4HCl (MW 1487) (see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/056,230, filed Mar. 26, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference), Cholesterol (Sigma-Aldrich), and PEG-Ceramide C16 (Avanti Polar Lipids) can be used to prepare lipid-dsRNA nanoparticles (i.e., LNP01 particles). Stock solutions of each in ethanol can be prepared as follows: ND98, 133 mg/ml; Cholesterol, 25 mg/ml, PEG-Ceramide C16, 100 mg/ml. The ND98, Cholesterol, and PEG-Ceramide C16 stock solutions can then be combined in a, e.g., 42:48:10 molar ratio. The combined lipid solution can be mixed with aqueous dsRNA (e.g., in sodium acetate pH 5) such that the final ethanol concentration is about 35-45% and the final sodium acetate concentration is about 100-300 mM. Lipid-dsRNA nanoparticles typically form spontaneously upon mixing. Depending on the desired particle size distribution, the resultant nanoparticle mixture can be extruded through a polycarbonate membrane (e.g., 100 nm cut-off) using, for example, a thermobarrel extruder, such as Lipex Extruder (Northern Lipids, Inc). In some cases, the extrusion step can be omitted. Ethanol removal and simultaneous buffer exchange can be accomplished by, for example, dialysis or tangential flow filtration. Buffer can be exchanged with, for example, phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at about pH 7, e.g., about pH 6.9, about pH 7.0, about pH 7.1, about pH 7.2, about pH 7.3, or about pH 7.4.

LNP01 formulations are described, e.g., in International Application Publication No. WO 2008/042973, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Additional exemplary lipid-dsRNA formulations are described in Table 1.

TABLE 1 cationic lipid/ non-cationic lipid/cholesterol/ PEG-lipid conjugate Ionizable/Cationic Lipid Lipid:siRNA ratio SNALP-1 1,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N- DLinDMA/DPPC/ dimethylaminopropane Cholesterol/PEG-cDMA (DLinDMA) (57.1/7.1/34.4/1.4) lipid:siRNA ~7:1 2-XTC 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4- XTC/DPPC/ dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]- Cholesterol/PEG-cDMA dioxolane (XTC) 57.1/7.1/34.4/1.4 lipid:siRNA ~7:1 LNP05 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4- XTC/DSPC/ dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]- Cholesterol/PEG-DMG dioxolane (XTC) 57.5/7.5/31.5/3.5 lipid:siRNA ~6:1 LNP06 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4- XTC/DSPC/ dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]- Cholesterol/PEG-DMG dioxolane (XTC) 57.5/7.5/31.5/3.5 lipid:siRNA ~11:1 LNP07 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4- XTC/DSPC/ dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]- Cholesterol/PEG-DMG dioxolane (XTC) 60/7.5/31/1.5, lipid:siRNA ~6:1 LNP08 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4- XTC/DSPC/ dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]- Cholesterol/PEG-DMG dioxolane (XTC) 60/7.5/31/1.5, lipid:siRNA ~11:1 LNP09 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4- XTC/DSPC/ dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]- Cholesterol/PEG-DMG dioxolane (XTC) 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA 10:1 LNP10 (3aR,5s,6aS)-N,N-dimethyl-2,2- ALN100/DSPC/ di((9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12- Cholesterol/PEG-DMG dienyl)tetrahydro-3aH- 50/10/38.5/1.5 cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-5-amine Lipid:siRNA 10:1 (ALN100) LNP11 (6Z,9Z,28Z,31Z)- MC-3/DSPC/ heptatriaconta-6,9,28,31- Cholesterol/PEG-DMG tetraen-19-yl 50/10/38.5/1.5 4-(dimethylamino)butanoate Lipid:siRNA 10:1 (MC3) LNP12 1,1′-(2-(4-(2-((2-(bis(2- Tech G1/DSPC/ hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)(2- Cholesterol/PEG-DMG hydroxydodecyl)amino) 50/10/38.5/1.5 ethyl)piperazin- Lipid:siRNA 10:1 1-yl)ethylazanediyl)didodecan- 2-ol (Tech G1) LNP13 XTC XTC/DSPC/Chol/ PEG-DMG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 33:1 LNP14 MC3 MC3/DSPC/ Chol/PEG-DMG 40/15/40/5 Lipid:siRNA: 11:1 LNP15 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/ PEG-DSG/ GalNAc-PEG-DSG 50/10/35/4.5/0.5 Lipid:siRNA: 11:1 LNP16 MC3 MC3/DSPC/ Chol/PEG-DMG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 7:1 LNP17 MC3 MC3/DSPC/ Chol/PEG-DSG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 10:1 LNP18 MC3 MC3/DSPC/ Chol/PEG-DMG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 12:1 LNP19 MC3 MC3/DSPC/ Chol/PEG-DMG 50/10/35/5 Lipid:siRNA: 8:1 LNP20 MC3 MC3/DSPC/ Chol/PEG-DPG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 10:1 LNP21 C12-200 C12-200/DSPC/ Chol/PEG-DSG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 7:1 LNP22 XTC XTC/DSPC/ Chol/PEG-DSG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 10:1 DSPC: distearoylphosphatidylcholine DPPC: dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine PEG-DMG: PEG-didimyristoyl glycerol (C14-PEG, or PEG-C14) (PEG with avg mol wt of 2000) PEG-DSG: PEG-distyryl glycerol (C18-PEG, or PEG-C18) (PEG with avg mol wt of 2000) PEG-cDMA: PEG-carbamoyl-1,2-dimyristyloxypropylamine (PEG with avg mol wt of 2000) SNALP (1,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA)) comprising formulations are described in International Publication No. WO2009/127060, filed Apr. 15, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

XTC comprising formulations are described, e.g., in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/022614, filed on Jan. 29, 2010, the entire content of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

MC3 comprising formulations are described, e.g., in US Patent Publication No. 2010/0324120, filed on Jun. 10, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

ALNY-100 comprising formulations are described, e.g., International Patent Application Number PCT/US09/63933, filed on Nov. 10, 2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

C12-200 comprising formulations are described in PCT Publication No. WO 2010/129709, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Compositions and formulations for oral administration include powders or granules, microparticulates, nanoparticulates, suspensions or solutions in water or non-aqueous media, capsules, gel capsules, sachets, tablets or minitablets. Thickeners, flavoring agents, diluents, emulsifiers, dispersing aids, or binders can be desirable. In some embodiments, oral formulations are those in which dsRNAs featured in the invention are administered in conjunction with one or more penetration enhancer surfactants and chelators. Suitable surfactants include fatty acids or esters or salts thereof, bile acids or salts thereof. Suitable bile acids/salts include chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and ursodeoxychenodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), cholic acid, dehydrocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, glucholic acid, glycholic acid, glycodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid, sodium tauro-24,25-dihydro-fusidate and sodium glycodihydrofusidate. Suitable fatty acids include arachidonic acid, undecanoic acid, oleic acid, lauric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, monoolein, dilaurin, glyceryl 1-monocaprate, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, an acylcarnitine, an acylcholine, or a monoglyceride, a diglyceride or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (e.g., sodium). In some embodiments, combinations of penetration enhancers are used, for example, fatty acids/salts in combination with bile acids/salts. One exemplary combination is the sodium salt of lauric acid, capric acid and UDCA. Further penetration enhancers include polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene-20-cetyl ether. DsRNAs featured in the invention can be delivered orally, in granular form including sprayed dried particles, or complexed to form micro or nanoparticles. DsRNA complexing agents include poly-amino acids; polyimines; polyacrylates; polyalkylacrylates, polyoxethanes, polyalkylcyanoacrylates; cationized gelatins, albumins, starches, acrylates, polyethyleneglycols (PEG), and starches; polyalkylcyanoacrylates; DEAE-derivatized polyimines, pollulans, celluloses, and starches. Suitable complexing agents include chitosan, N-trimethylchitosan, poly-L-lysine, polyhistidine, polyornithine, polyspermines, protamine, polyvinylpyridine, polythiodiethylaminomethylethylene P(TDAE), polyaminostyrene (e.g., p-amino), poly(methylcyanoacrylate), poly(ethylcyanoacrylate), poly(butylcyanoacrylate), poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate), poly(isohexylcynaoacrylate), DEAE-methacrylate, DEAE-hexylacrylate, DEAE-acrylamide, DEAE-albumin and DEAE-dextran, polymethylacrylate, polyhexylacrylate, poly(D,L-lactic acid), poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), alginate, and polyethyleneglycol (PEG). Oral formulations for dsRNAs and their preparation are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,906, US Publn. No. 20030027780, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,747,014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Compositions and formulations for parenteral, intraparenchymal (into the brain), intrathecal, intraventricular or intrahepatic administration can include sterile aqueous solutions which can also contain buffers, diluents, and other suitable additives such as, but not limited to, penetration enhancers, carrier compounds, and other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, solutions, emulsions, and liposome-containing formulations. These compositions can be generated from a variety of components that include, but are not limited to, preformed liquids, self-emulsifying solids, and self-emulsifying semisolids. Formulations include those that target the liver when treating hepatic disorders such as hepatic carcinoma.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention, which can conveniently be presented in unit dosage form, can be prepared according to conventional techniques well known in the pharmaceutical industry. Such techniques include the step of bringing into association the active ingredients with the pharmaceutical carrier(s) or excipient(s). In general, the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association the active ingredients with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product.

The compositions of the present invention can be formulated into any of many possible dosage forms such as, but not limited to, tablets, capsules, gel capsules, liquid syrups, soft gels, suppositories, and enemas. The compositions of the present invention can also be formulated as suspensions in aqueous, non-aqueous or mixed media. Aqueous suspensions can further contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension including, for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol or dextran. The suspension can also contain stabilizers.

C. Additional Formulations

i. Emulsions

The iRNAs of the present invention can be prepared and formulated as emulsions. Emulsions are typically heterogeneous systems of one liquid dispersed in another in the form of droplets usually exceeding 0.1 μm in diameter (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., Volume 1, p. 245; Block in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 2, p. 335; Higuchi et al., in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1985, p. 301). Emulsions are often biphasic systems comprising two immiscible liquid phases intimately mixed and dispersed with each other. In general, emulsions can be of either the water-in-oil (w/o) or the oil-in-water (o/w) variety. When an aqueous phase is finely divided into and dispersed as minute droplets into a bulk oily phase, the resulting composition is called a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion. Alternatively, when an oily phase is finely divided into and dispersed as minute droplets into a bulk aqueous phase, the resulting composition is called an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion. Emulsions can contain additional components in addition to the dispersed phases, and the active drug which can be present as a solution either in the aqueous phase, oily phase or itself as a separate phase. Pharmaceutical excipients such as emulsifiers, stabilizers, dyes, and anti-oxidants can also be present in emulsions as needed. Pharmaceutical emulsions can also be multiple emulsions that are comprised of more than two phases such as, for example, in the case of oil-in-water-in-oil (o/w/o) and water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsions. Such complex formulations often provide certain advantages that simple binary emulsions do not. Multiple emulsions in which individual oil droplets of an o/w emulsion enclose small water droplets constitute a w/o/w emulsion. Likewise a system of oil droplets enclosed in globules of water stabilized in an oily continuous phase provides an o/w/o emulsion.

Emulsions are characterized by little or no thermodynamic stability. Often, the dispersed or discontinuous phase of the emulsion is well dispersed into the external or continuous phase and maintained in this form through the means of emulsifiers or the viscosity of the formulation. Either of the phases of the emulsion can be a semisolid or a solid, as is the case of emulsion-style ointment bases and creams. Other means of stabilizing emulsions entail the use of emulsifiers that can be incorporated into either phase of the emulsion. Emulsifiers can broadly be classified into four categories: synthetic surfactants, naturally occurring emulsifiers, absorption bases, and finely dispersed solids (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199).

Synthetic surfactants, also known as surface active agents, have found wide applicability in the formulation of emulsions and have been reviewed in the literature (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Rieger, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 285; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1988, volume 1, p. 199). Surfactants are typically amphiphilic and comprise a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic portion. The ratio of the hydrophilic to the hydrophobic nature of the surfactant has been termed the hydrophile/lipophile balance (HLB) and is a valuable tool in categorizing and selecting surfactants in the preparation of formulations. Surfactants can be classified into different classes based on the nature of the hydrophilic group: nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y. Rieger, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 285).

Naturally occurring emulsifiers used in emulsion formulations include lanolin, beeswax, phosphatides, lecithin and acacia. Absorption bases possess hydrophilic properties such that they can soak up water to form w/o emulsions yet retain their semisolid consistencies, such as anhydrous lanolin and hydrophilic petrolatum. Finely divided solids have also been used as good emulsifiers especially in combination with surfactants and in viscous preparations. These include polar inorganic solids, such as heavy metal hydroxides, nonswelling clays such as bentonite, attapulgite, hectorite, kaolin, montmorillonite, colloidal aluminum silicate, and colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate, pigments and nonpolar solids such as carbon or glyceryl tristearate.

A large variety of non-emulsifying materials are also included in emulsion formulations and contribute to the properties of emulsions. These include fats, oils, waxes, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, humectants, hydrophilic colloids, preservatives, and antioxidants (Block, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 335; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199).

Hydrophilic colloids or hydrocolloids include naturally occurring gums and synthetic polymers such as polysaccharides (for example, acacia, agar, alginic acid, carrageenan, guar gum, karaya gum, and tragacanth), cellulose derivatives (for example, carboxymethylcellulose and carboxypropylcellulose), and synthetic polymers (for example, carbomers, cellulose ethers, and carboxyvinyl polymers). These disperse or swell in water to form colloidal solutions that stabilize emulsions by forming strong interfacial films around the dispersed-phase droplets and by increasing the viscosity of the external phase.

Since emulsions often contain a number of ingredients such as carbohydrates, proteins, sterols and phosphatides that can readily support the growth of microbes, these formulations often incorporate preservatives. Commonly used preservatives included in emulsion formulations include methyl paraben, propyl paraben, quaternary ammonium salts, benzalkonium chloride, esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and boric acid. Antioxidants are also commonly added to emulsion formulations to prevent deterioration of the formulation. Antioxidants used can be free radical scavengers such as tocopherols, alkyl gallates, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, or reducing agents such as ascorbic acid and sodium metabisulfite, and antioxidant synergists such as citric acid, tartaric acid, and lecithin.

The application of emulsion formulations via dermatological, oral, and parenteral routes, and methods for their manufacture have been reviewed in the literature (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199). Emulsion formulations for oral delivery have been very widely used because of ease of formulation, as well as efficacy from an absorption and bioavailability standpoint (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199). Mineral-oil base laxatives, oil-soluble vitamins, and high fat nutritive preparations are among the materials that have commonly been administered orally as o/w emulsions.

ii. Microemulsions

In one embodiment of the present invention, the iRNAs are formulated as microemulsions. A microemulsion can be defined as a system of water, oil, and amphiphile which is a single optically isotropic and thermodynamically stable liquid solution (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245). Typically microemulsions are systems that are prepared by first dispersing an oil in an aqueous surfactant solution and then adding a sufficient amount of a fourth component, generally an intermediate chain-length alcohol to form a transparent system. Therefore, microemulsions have also been described as thermodynamically stable, isotropically clear dispersions of two immiscible liquids that are stabilized by interfacial films of surface-active molecules (Leung and Shah, in: Controlled Release of Drugs: Polymers and Aggregate Systems, Rosoff, M., Ed., 1989, VCH Publishers, New York, pages 185-215). Microemulsions commonly are prepared via a combination of three to five components that include oil, water, surfactant, cosurfactant and electrolyte. Whether the microemulsion is of the water-in-oil (w/o) or an oil-in-water (o/w) type is dependent on the properties of the oil and surfactant used and on the structure and geometric packing of the polar heads and hydrocarbon tails of the surfactant molecules (Schott, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1985, p. 271).

The phenomenological approach utilizing phase diagrams has been extensively studied and has yielded a comprehensive knowledge, to one skilled in the art, of how to formulate microemulsions (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245; Block, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 335). Compared to conventional emulsions, microemulsions offer the advantage of solubilizing water-insoluble drugs in a formulation of thermodynamically stable droplets that are formed spontaneously.

Surfactants used in the preparation of microemulsions include, but are not limited to, ionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, Brij® 96, polyoxyethylene oleyl ethers, polyglycerol fatty acid esters, tetraglycerol monolaurate (ML310), tetraglycerol monooleate (MO310), hexaglycerol monooleate (PO310), hexaglycerol pentaoleate (PO500), decaglycerol monocaprate (MCA750), decaglycerol monooleate (MO750), decaglycerol sequioleate (SO750), decaglycerol decaoleate (DAO750), alone or in combination with cosurfactants. The cosurfactant, usually a short-chain alcohol such as ethanol, 1-propanol, and 1-butanol, serves to increase the interfacial fluidity by penetrating into the surfactant film and consequently creating a disordered film because of the void space generated among surfactant molecules. Microemulsions can, however, be prepared without the use of cosurfactants and alcohol-free self-emulsifying microemulsion systems are known in the art. The aqueous phase can typically be, but is not limited to, water, an aqueous solution of the drug, glycerol, PEG300, PEG400, polyglycerols, propylene glycols, and derivatives of ethylene glycol. The oil phase can include, but is not limited to, materials such as Captex® 300, Captex® 355, Capmul® MCM, fatty acid esters, medium chain (C8-C12) mono, di, and tri-glycerides, polyoxyethylated glyceryl fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, polyglycolized glycerides, saturated polyglycolized C8-C10 glycerides, vegetable oils, and silicone oil.

Microemulsions are particularly of interest from the standpoint of drug solubilization and the enhanced absorption of drugs. Lipid based microemulsions (both o/w and w/o) have been proposed to enhance the oral bioavailability of drugs, including peptides (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,191,105; 7,063,860; 7,070,802; 7,157,099; Constantinides et al., Pharmaceutical Research, 1994, 11, 1385-1390; Ritschel, Meth. Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol., 1993, 13, 205). Microemulsions afford advantages of improved drug solubilization, protection of drug from enzymatic hydrolysis, possible enhancement of drug absorption due to surfactant-induced alterations in membrane fluidity and permeability, ease of preparation, ease of oral administration over solid dosage forms, improved clinical potency, and decreased toxicity (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,191,105; 7,063,860; 7,070,802; 7,157,099; Constantinides et al., Pharmaceutical Research, 1994, 11, 1385; Ho et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 1996, 85, 138-143). Often microemulsions can form spontaneously when their components are brought together at ambient temperature. This can be particularly advantageous when formulating thermolabile drugs, peptides or iRNAs. Microemulsions have also been effective in the transdermal delivery of active components in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. It is expected that the microemulsion compositions and formulations of the present invention will facilitate the increased systemic absorption of iRNAs and nucleic acids from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as improve the local cellular uptake of iRNAs and nucleic acids.

Microemulsions of the present invention can also contain additional components and additives such as sorbitan monostearate (Grill® 3), Labrasol®, and penetration enhancers to improve the properties of the formulation and to enhance the absorption of the iRNAs and nucleic acids of the present invention. Penetration enhancers used in the microemulsions of the present invention can be classified as belonging to one of five broad categories—surfactants, fatty acids, bile salts, chelating agents, and non-chelating non-surfactants (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p. 92). Each of these classes has been discussed above.

iii. Microparticles

An iRNA of the invention may be incorporated into a particle, e.g., a microparticle. Microparticles can be produced by spray-drying, but may also be produced by other methods including lyophilization, evaporation, fluid bed drying, vacuum drying, or a combination of these techniques.

iv. Penetration Enhancers

In one embodiment, the present invention employs various penetration enhancers to effect the efficient delivery of nucleic acids, particularly iRNAs, to the skin of animals. Most drugs are present in solution in both ionized and nonionized forms. However, usually only lipid soluble or lipophilic drugs readily cross cell membranes. It has been discovered that even non-lipophilic drugs can cross cell membranes if the membrane to be crossed is treated with a penetration enhancer. In addition to aiding the diffusion of non-lipophilic drugs across cell membranes, penetration enhancers also enhance the permeability of lipophilic drugs.

Penetration enhancers can be classified as belonging to one of five broad categories, i.e., surfactants, fatty acids, bile salts, chelating agents, and non-chelating non-surfactants (see e.g., Malmsten, M. Surfactants and polymers in drug delivery, Informa Health Care, New York, N.Y., 2002; Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p. 92). Such compounds are well known in the art.

v. Carriers

Certain compositions of the present invention also incorporate carrier compounds in the formulation. As used herein, “carrier compound” or “carrier” can refer to a nucleic acid, or analog thereof, which is inert (i.e., does not possess biological activity per se) but is recognized as a nucleic acid by in vivo processes that reduce the bioavailability of a nucleic acid having biological activity by, for example, degrading the biologically active nucleic acid or promoting its removal from circulation. The coadministration of a nucleic acid and a carrier compound, typically with an excess of the latter substance, can result in a substantial reduction of the amount of nucleic acid recovered in the liver, kidney or other extracirculatory reservoirs, presumably due to competition between the carrier compound and the nucleic acid for a common receptor. For example, the recovery of a partially phosphorothioate dsRNA in hepatic tissue can be reduced when it is coadministered with polyinosinic acid, dextran sulfate, polycytidic acid or 4-acetamido-4′isothiocyano-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (Miyao et al., DsRNA Res. Dev., 1995, 5, 115-121; Takakura et al., DsRNA & Nucl. Acid Drug Dev., 1996, 6, 177-183.

vi. Excipients

In contrast to a carrier compound, a “pharmaceutical carrier” or “excipient” is a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, suspending agent, or any other pharmacologically inert vehicle for delivering one or more nucleic acids to an animal. The excipient can be liquid or solid and is selected, with the planned manner of administration in mind, so as to provide for the desired bulk, consistency, etc., when combined with a nucleic acid and the other components of a given pharmaceutical composition. Typical pharmaceutical carriers include, but are not limited to, binding agents (e.g., pregelatinized maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, etc.); fillers (e.g., lactose and other sugars, microcrystalline cellulose, pectin, gelatin, calcium sulfate, ethyl cellulose, polyacrylates or calcium hydrogen phosphate, etc.); lubricants (e.g., magnesium stearate, talc, silica, colloidal silicon dioxide, stearic acid, metallic stearates, hydrogenated vegetable oils, corn starch, polyethylene glycols, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, etc.); disintegrants (e.g., starch, sodium starch glycolate, etc.); and wetting agents (e.g., sodium lauryl sulphate, etc).

Pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic excipients suitable for non-parenteral administration which do not deleteriously react with nucleic acids can also be used to formulate the compositions of the present invention. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, gelatin, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, hydroxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and the like.

Formulations for topical administration of nucleic acids can include sterile and non-sterile aqueous solutions, non-aqueous solutions in common solvents such as alcohols, or solutions of the nucleic acids in liquid or solid oil bases. The solutions can also contain buffers, diluents and other suitable additives. Pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic excipients suitable for non-parenteral administration which do not deleteriously react with nucleic acids can be used.

Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients include, but are not limited to, water, salt solutions, alcohol, polyethylene glycols, gelatin, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, hydroxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and the like.

vii. Other Components

The compositions of the present invention can additionally contain other adjunct components conventionally found in pharmaceutical compositions, at their art-established usage levels. Thus, for example, the compositions can contain additional, compatible, pharmaceutically-active materials such as, for example, antipruritics, astringents, local anesthetics or anti-inflammatory agents, or can contain additional materials useful in physically formulating various dosage forms of the compositions of the present invention, such as dyes, flavoring agents, preservatives, antioxidants, opacifiers, thickening agents and stabilizers. However, such materials, when added, should not unduly interfere with the biological activities of the components of the compositions of the present invention. The formulations can be sterilized and, if desired, mixed with auxiliary agents, e.g., lubricants, preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, salts for influencing osmotic pressure, buffers, colorings, flavorings or aromatic substances and the like which do not deleteriously interact with the nucleic acid(s) of the formulation.

Aqueous suspensions can contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension including, for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol, or dextran. The suspension can also contain stabilizers.

In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions featured in the invention include (a) one or more iRNA and (b) one or more agents which function by a non-iRNA mechanism and which are useful in treating an XDH-associated disorder.

Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such compounds can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) and the ED50 (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population). The dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and it can be expressed as the ratio LD50/ED50. Compounds that exhibit high therapeutic indices are preferred.

The data obtained from cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in humans. The dosage of compositions featured herein in the invention lies generally within a range of circulating concentrations that include the ED50 with little or no toxicity. The dosage can vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. For any compound used in the methods featured in the invention, the therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from cell culture assays. A dose can be formulated in animal models to achieve a circulating plasma concentration range of the compound or, when appropriate, of the polypeptide product of a target sequence (e.g., achieving a decreased concentration of the polypeptide) that includes the IC50 (i.e., the concentration of the test compound which achieves a half-maximal inhibition of symptoms) as determined in cell culture. Such information can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans. Levels in plasma can be measured, for example, by high performance liquid chromatography.

In addition to their administration, as discussed above, the iRNAs featured in the invention can be administered in combination with other known agents effective in treatment of pathological processes mediated by XDH expression. In any event, the administering physician can adjust the amount and timing of iRNA administration on the basis of results observed using standard measures of efficacy known in the art or described herein.

VI. Methods For Inhibiting XDH Expression

The present invention also provides methods of inhibiting expression of an XDH gene in a cell. The methods include contacting a cell with an RNAi agent, e.g., double stranded RNAi agent, in an amount effective to inhibit expression of XDH in the cell, thereby inhibiting expression of XDH in the cell.

Contacting of a cell with an iRNA, e.g., a double stranded RNAi agent, may be done in vitro or in vivo. Contacting a cell in vivo with the iRNA includes contacting a cell or group of cells within a subject, e.g., a human subject, with the iRNA. Combinations of in vitro and in vivo methods of contacting a cell are also possible. Contacting a cell may be direct or indirect, as discussed above. Furthermore, contacting a cell may be accomplished via a targeting ligand, including any ligand described herein or known in the art. In preferred embodiments, the targeting ligand is a carbohydrate moiety, e.g., a GalNAc₃ ligand, or any other ligand that directs the RNAi agent to a site of interest.

The term “inhibiting,” as used herein, is used interchangeably with “reducing,” “silencing,” “downregulating”, “suppressing”, and other similar terms, and includes any level of inhibition.

The phrase “inhibiting expression of an XDH” is intended to refer to inhibition of expression of any XDH gene (such as, e.g., a mouse XDH gene, a rat XDH gene, a monkey XDH gene, or a human XDH gene) as well as variants or mutants of an XDH gene. Thus, the XDH gene may be a wild-type XDH gene, a mutant XDH gene (such as a mutant XDH gene giving rise to abnormal uric acid metabolism), or a transgenic XDH gene in the context of a genetically manipulated cell, group of cells, or organism.

“Inhibiting expression of an XDH gene” includes any level of inhibition of an XDH gene, e.g., at least partial suppression of the expression of an XDH gene, inhibition of XDH in certain cells or tissues. The expression of the XDH gene may be assessed based on the level, or the change in the level, of any variable associated with XDH gene expression, e.g., XDH mRNA level or XDH protein level. This level may be assessed in an individual cell or in a group of cells, including, for example, a sample derived from a subject.

Inhibition may be assessed by a decrease in an absolute or relative level of one or more variables that are associated with XDH expression compared with a control level. The control level may be any type of control level that is utilized in the art, e.g., a pre-dose baseline level, or a level determined from a similar subject, cell, or sample that is untreated or treated with a control (such as, e.g., buffer only control or inactive agent control).

In some embodiments of the methods of the invention, expression of an XDH gene is inhibited by at least 15%, 20%, 25%, preferably at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, or to below the level of detection of the assay. In some embodiments, the inhibition of expression of an XDH gene results in normalization of the level of the XDH gene such that the difference between the level before treatment and a normal control level is reduced by at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%. In some embodiments, the inhibition is a clinically relevant inhibition.

Inhibition of the expression of an XDH gene may be manifested by a reduction of the amount of mRNA expressed by a first cell or group of cells (such cells may be present, for example, in a sample derived from a subject) in which an XDH gene is transcribed and which has or have been treated (e.g., by contacting the cell or cells with an iRNA of the invention, or by administering an iRNA of the invention to a subject in which the cells are or were present) such that the expression of an XDH gene is inhibited, as compared to a second cell or group of cells substantially identical to the first cell or group of cells but which has not or have not been so treated (control cell(s) not treated with an iRNA or not treated with an iRNA targeted to the gene of interest). In preferred embodiments, the inhibition is assessed by the method provided in Example 2 with in vitro assays being performed in an appropriately matched cell line with the duplex at a 10 nM concentration, and expressing the level of mRNA in treated cells as a percentage of the level of mRNA in control cells, using the following formula:

${\frac{\left( {{mRNA}\mspace{14mu} {in}\mspace{14mu} {control}\mspace{14mu} {cells}} \right) - \left( {{mRNA}\mspace{14mu} {in}\mspace{14mu} {treated}\mspace{14mu} {cells}} \right)}{\left( {{mRNA}\mspace{14mu} {in}\mspace{14mu} {control}\mspace{14mu} {cells}} \right)} \cdot 100}\%$

In other embodiments, inhibition of the expression of an XDH gene may be assessed in terms of a reduction of a parameter that is functionally linked to XDH gene expression, e.g., serum uric acid levels. XDH gene silencing may be determined in any cell expressing XDH, either endogenous or heterologous from an expression construct, and by any assay known in the art.

Inhibition of the expression of an XDH protein may be manifested by a reduction in the level of the XDH protein that is expressed by a cell or group of cells (e.g., the level of protein expressed in a sample derived from a subject). As explained above, for the assessment of mRNA suppression, the inhibition of protein expression levels in a treated cell or group of cells may similarly be expressed as a percentage of the level of protein in a control cell or group of cells. For example, inhibition of expression can be inhibition of expression in liver cells.

A control cell or group of cells that may be used to assess the inhibition of the expression of an XDH gene includes a cell or group of cells that has not yet been contacted with an RNAi agent of the invention. For example, the control cell or group of cells may be derived from an individual subject (e.g., a human or animal subject) prior to treatment of the subject with an RNAi agent.

The level of XDH mRNA that is expressed by a cell or group of cells, or the level of circulating XDH mRNA, may be determined using any method known in the art for assessing mRNA expression. In one embodiment, the level of expression of XDH in a sample is determined by detecting a transcribed polynucleotide, or portion thereof, e.g., mRNA of the XDH gene. RNA may be extracted from cells using RNA extraction techniques including, for example, using acid phenol/guanidine isothiocyanate extraction (RNAzol B; Biogenesis), RNeasy™ RNA preparation kits (Qiagen®) or PAXgene (PreAnalytix, Switzerland). Typical assay formats utilizing ribonucleic acid hybridization include nuclear run-on assays, RT-PCR, RNase protection assays, northern blotting, in situ hybridization, and microarray analysis. In preferred embodiments, the RT-PCR assay provided in Example 2, with in vitro assays being performed in an appropriately matched cell line with the duplex at a 10 nM concentration, is used to detect the level of expression of the mRNA.

In some embodiments, the level of expression of XDH is determined using a nucleic acid probe. The term “probe”, as used herein, refers to any molecule that is capable of selectively binding to a specific XDH. Probes can be synthesized by one of skill in the art, or derived from appropriate biological preparations. Probes may be specifically designed to be labeled. Examples of molecules that can be utilized as probes include, but are not limited to, RNA, DNA, proteins, antibodies, and organic molecules.

Isolated mRNA can be used in hybridization or amplification assays that include, but are not limited to, Southern or northern analyses, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses and probe arrays. One method for the determination of mRNA levels involves contacting the isolated mRNA with a nucleic acid molecule (probe) that can hybridize to XDH mRNA. In one embodiment, the mRNA is immobilized on a solid surface and contacted with a probe, for example by running the isolated mRNA on an agarose gel and transferring the mRNA from the gel to a membrane, such as nitrocellulose. In an alternative embodiment, the probe(s) are immobilized on a solid surface and the mRNA is contacted with the probe(s), for example, in an Affymetrix gene chip array. A skilled artisan can readily adapt known mRNA detection methods for use in determining the level of XDH mRNA.

An alternative method for determining the level of expression of XDH in a sample involves the process of nucleic acid amplification or reverse transcriptase (to prepare cDNA) of for example mRNA in the sample, e.g., by RT-PCR (the experimental embodiment set forth in Mullis, 1987, U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,202), ligase chain reaction (Barany (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:189-193), self sustained sequence replication (Guatelli et al. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:1874-1878), transcriptional amplification system (Kwoh et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:1173-1177), Q-Beta Replicase (Lizardi et al. (1988) Bio/Technology 6:1197), rolling circle replication (Lizardi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,854,033) or any other nucleic acid amplification method, followed by the detection of the amplified molecules using techniques well known to those of skill in the art. These detection schemes are especially useful for the detection of nucleic acid molecules if such molecules are present in very low numbers. In particular aspects of the invention, the level of expression of XDH is determined by quantitative fluorogenic RT-PCR (i.e., the TaqMan™ System) using the methods provided herein.

The expression levels of XDH mRNA may be monitored using a membrane blot (such as used in hybridization analysis such as northern, Southern, dot, and the like), or microwells, sample tubes, gels, beads or fibers (or any solid support comprising bound nucleic acids). See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,770,722, 5,874,219, 5,744,305, 5,677,195 and 5,445,934, which are incorporated herein by reference. The determination of XDH expression level may also comprise using nucleic acid probes in solution.

In preferred embodiments, the level of mRNA expression is assessed using branched DNA (bDNA) assays or real time PCR (qPCR). The use of these methods is described and exemplified in the Examples presented herein.

The level of XDH protein expression may be determined using any method known in the art for the measurement of protein levels. Such methods include, for example, electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), hyperdiffusion chromatography, fluid or gel precipitin reactions, absorption spectroscopy, a colorimetric assays, spectrophotometric assays, flow cytometry, immunodiffusion (single or double), immunoelectrophoresis, western blotting, radioimmunoassay (RIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), immunofluorescent assays, electrochemiluminescence assays, and the like.

In some embodiments, the efficacy of the methods of the invention in the treatment of an XDH-related disease is assessed by a decrease in XDH mRNA level (by liver biopsy) or XDH protein level, typically determined in serum.

In some embodiments, the efficacy of the compositions methods of the invention in the treatment of hyperuricemia is demonstrated by a significant decrease in chronic uric acid levels in a subject to 6.8 mg/dl or less (the level of solubility of uric acid in serum), preferably 6 mg/dl or less. Studies of subjects with inherited disorders associated with profound, lifelong hypouricemia indicate that maintaining serum uric acid near or below 2 mg/dl is safe (Hershfeld, Curr. Opin. Rheumatol. 21:138-142, 2009). As elevated levels of serum uric acid are associated with a number of diseases and conditions, a decrease in chronic uric acid levels towards, or preferably to, normal levels, would treat those conditions. The compositions and methods of the invention can also be used to treat aymptomatic hyperuricemia. Normalizing hyperuricemia prevents one or more of the comorbidities associated with hyperuricemia including, but not limited to, gout, NAFLD, NASH, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and conditions linked to oxidative stress e.g., chronic low grade inflammation; or other XDH-associated disease. In some embodiments of the methods of the invention, the iRNA is administered to a subject such that the iRNA is delivered to a specific site within the subject. The inhibition of expression of XDH may be assessed using measurements of the level or change in the level of XDH mRNA or XDH protein in a sample derived from a specific site within the subject, e.g., the liver.

As used herein, the terms detecting or determining a level of an anlyte are understood to mean performing the steps to determine if a material, e.g., protein, RNA, is present. As used herein, methods of detecting or determining include detection or determination of an anlyte level that is below the level of detection for the method used.

VII. Methods of Treating or Preventing XDH-Associated Diseases

The present invention provides therapeutic and prophylactic methods which include administering to a subject having an XDH-associated disease, disorder, and/or condition, or prone to developing, an XDH-associated disease, disorder, and/or condition, compositions comprising an iRNA agent targeting an XDH gene. Non-limiting examples of XDH-associated diseases include, for example, gout, NAFLD, NASH, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and conditions linked to oxidative stress e.g., chronic low grade inflammation.

The methods of the invention are useful for treating a subject having an XDH-associated disease, e.g., a subject that would benefit from reduction in XDH gene expression and/or XDH protein production.

In one aspect, the invention provides methods of preventing at least one sign or symptom in a subject susceptible to or having an XDH-associated disease, e.g., gout, NAFLD, NASH, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and conditions linked to oxidative stress e.g., chronic low grade inflammation. The methods include administering to the subject a prohylactically effective amount of the iRNA agent, e.g. dsRNA, pharmaceutical compositions, or vectors of the invention, thereby preventing at least one sign or symptom in a subject having an XDH-associated disease.

In one embodiment, an iRNA agent targeting XDH is administered to a subject having an XDH-associated disease such that the expression of an XDH gene, e.g., in a cell, tissue, blood or other tissue or fluid of the subject are reduced by at least about 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 62%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 723%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or at least about 99% or more, or to a level below the level of detection of the assay, when the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject.

The methods and uses of the invention include administering a composition described herein such that expression of the target XDH gene is decreased for an extended duration, e.g., at least one month, preferably at least three months.

Administration of the dsRNA according to the methods and uses of the invention may result in a reduction of the severity, signs, symptoms, and/or markers of such diseases or disorders in a patient with an XDH-associated disease. By “reduction” in this context is meant a statistically or clinically significant decrease in such level. The reduction can be, for example, at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or about 100%.

Efficacy of treatment or prevention of disease can be assessed, for example by measuring disease progression, disease remission, symptom severity, reduction in pain, quality of life, dose of a medication required to sustain a treatment effect, level of a disease marker or any other measurable parameter appropriate for a given disease being treated or targeted for prevention. It is well within the ability of one skilled in the art to monitor efficacy of treatment or prevention by measuring any one of such parameters, or any combination of parameters. Comparison of the later readings with the initial readings, or historically relevant population controls, provide a physician an indication of whether the treatment is effective. It is well within the ability of one skilled in the art to monitor efficacy of treatment or prevention by measuring any one of such parameters, or any combination of parameters. In connection with the administration of an iRNA targeting an XDH gene or pharmaceutical composition thereof, “effective against” an XDH-associated disease indicates that administration in a clinically appropriate manner results in a beneficial effect for at least a statistically significant fraction of patients, such as improvement of symptoms, a cure, a reduction in disease, extension of life, improvement in quality of life, or other effect generally recognized as positive by medical doctors familiar with treating an XDH-associated disease and the related causes.

A treatment or preventive effect is evident when there is a statistically significant improvement in one or more parameters of disease status, or by a failure to worsen or to develop symptoms where they would otherwise be anticipated. As an example, a favorable change of at least 10% in a measurable parameter of disease, and preferably at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more can be indicative of effective treatment. Efficacy for a given iRNA drug or formulation of that drug can also be judged using an experimental animal model for the given disease as known in the art. When using an experimental animal model, efficacy of treatment is evidenced when a statistically significant reduction in a marker or symptom is observed.

XDH expression may be inhibited, e.g., in a liver cell of a subject, by at least 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, or 95, or to a level below the level of detection of the assay. The methods of the invention do not require knockdown of expression in all cell types in which XDH is expressed.

The in vivo methods of the invention may include administering to a subject a composition containing an iRNA, where the iRNA includes a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least a part of an RNA transcript of the XDH gene of the mammal to be treated. When the organism to be treated is a mammal such as a human, the composition can be administered by any means known in the art including, but not limited to oral, intraperitoneal, or parenteral routes, including intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, transdermal, airway (aerosol), nasal, rectal, and topical (including buccal and sublingual) administration. In certain embodiments, the compositions are administered by intravenous infusion or injection. In certain embodiments, the compositions are administered by subcutaneous injection.

In some embodiments, the administration is via a depot injection. A depot injection may release the iRNA in a consistent way over a prolonged time period. Thus, a depot injection may reduce the frequency of dosing needed to obtain a desired effect, e.g., a desired inhibition of XDH, or a therapeutic or prophylactic effect. A depot injection may also provide more consistent serum concentrations. Depot injections may include subcutaneous injections or intramuscular injections. In preferred embodiments, the depot injection is a subcutaneous injection.

In some embodiments, the administration is via a pump. The pump may be an external pump or a surgically implanted pump. In certain embodiments, the pump is a subcutaneously implanted osmotic pump. In other embodiments, the pump is an infusion pump. An infusion pump may be used for intravenous, subcutaneous, arterial, or epidural infusions. In preferred embodiments, the infusion pump is a subcutaneous infusion pump. In other embodiments, the pump is a surgically implanted pump that delivers the iRNA to the liver.

The mode of administration may be chosen based upon whether local or systemic treatment is desired and based upon the area to be treated. The route and site of administration may be chosen to enhance targeting.

In one aspect, the present invention also provides methods for inhibiting the expression of an XDH gene in a mammal. The methods include administering to the mammal a composition comprising an iRNA that targets an XDH gene in a cell of the mammal and maintaining the mammal for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA transcript of the XDH gene, thereby inhibiting expression of the XDH gene in the cell. Reduction in gene expression can be assessed by any methods known it the art and by methods, e.g. qRT-PCR, described herein. Reduction in protein production can be assessed by any methods known it the art and by methods, e.g. ELISA, described herein. In one embodiment, a puncture liver biopsy sample serves as the tissue material for monitoring the reduction in the XDH gene or protein expression.

The present invention further provides methods of treatment of a subject in need thereof. The treatment methods of the invention include administering an iRNA of the invention to a subject, e.g., a subject that would benefit from a reduction or inhibition of XDH expression, in a therapeutically effective amount of an iRNA targeting an XDH gene or a pharmaceutical composition comprising an iRNA targeting an XDH gene.

An iRNA of the invention may be administered as a “free iRNA.” A free iRNA is administered in the absence of a pharmaceutical composition. The naked iRNA may be in a suitable buffer solution. The buffer solution may comprise acetate, citrate, prolamine, carbonate, or phosphate, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the buffer solution is phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The pH and osmolarity of the buffer solution containing the iRNA can be adjusted such that it is suitable for administering to a subject.

Alternatively, an iRNA of the invention may be administered as a pharmaceutical composition, such as a dsRNA liposomal formulation.

Subjects that would benefit from a reduction or inhibition of XDH gene expression are those having hyperuricemia as demonstrated by a chronic uric acid level of at least 6.8 mg/dl. It is expected that normalizing hyperuricemia would prevent one or more of the comorbidities associated with hyperuricemia including, but not limited to, gout, NAFLD, NASH, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and conditions linked to oxidative stress e.g., chronic low grade inflammation; or other XDH-associated disease.

A. Hyperuricemia

Serum uric acid levels are not routinely obtained as clinical lab values. However, hyperuricemia is associated with a number of diseases and conditions including, gout, NAFLD, NASH, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and conditions linked to oxidative stress e.g., chronic low grade inflammation. Normalization of uric acid levels is useful in the prevention or treatment of one or more conditions associated with elevated serum uric acid levels. Further, a subject derives clinical benefit from normalization of serum uric acid levels towards or to a normal serum uric acid level, e.g., no more than 6.8 mg/dl, preferably no more than 6 mg/dl, even in the absence of overt signs or symptoms of one or more conditions associated with elevated uric acid, e.g., gout, NAFLD, NASH, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or conditions linked to oxidative stress e.g., chronic low grade inflammation. Methods to detect and monitor uric acid in serum or other subject samples are known in the art. Uric acid levels can be detected, for example using carbonate-phosphotungstate method, spectrophotometric uricase method, or chromatotgraphy methods such as HPLC or LCMS.

Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that is used to reduce serum uric acid levels for the treatment of a number of conditions, e.g., gout, cardiovascular disease including ischemia-reperfusion injury, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke, and inflammatory diseases (Pacher et al., Pharma. Rev. 58:87-114, 2006). However, the use of allopurinol is contraindicated in subjects with impaired renal function, e.g., chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism, hyperinsulinemia, or insulin resistance; or in subjects predisposed to kidney disease or impaired renal function, e.g., subjects with hypertension, metabolic disorder, diabetes, and the elderly. Further, allopurinol should not be taken by subjects taking oral coagulants or probencid as well as subjects taking diuretics, especially thiazide diuretics or other drugs that can reduce kidney function or have potential kidney toxicity.

In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in treatment of subjects with hyperuricemia and impaired renal function. For example, in certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with hyperuricemia and chronic kidney disease. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods are for use in subjects with hyperuricemia who are suffering from one or more of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or inflammatory disease; or elderly subjects (e.g., over 65). In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods are for use in subjects with hyperuricemia who are also taking a drug that can reduce kidney function as demonstrated by the drug label. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with hyperuricemia who are being treated with oral coagulants or probencid. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with hyperuricemia who are being treated with diuretics, especially thiazide diuretics.

In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are used in combination with other compositions and methods to treat hyperuricemia, e.g., allopurinol, oxypurinol, febuxostat.

B. Gout

Gout affects approximately 1 in 40 adults, most commonly men between 30-60 years of age. Gout less commonly affects women. Gout is one of a few types of arthritis where future damage to joints can be avoided by treatment. Gout is characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis caused by an inflammatory reaction to uric acid crystals in the joint due to hyperuricemia resulting from insufficient renal clearance of uric acid or excessive uric acid production. Fructose associated gout is associated with variants of transporters expressed in the kidney, intestine, and liver. Gout is characterized by the formation and deposition of tophi, monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, in the joints and subcutaneously. Pain associated with gout is not related to the size of the tophi, but is a result of an immune response against the MSU crystals. There is a linear inverse relation between serum uric acid and the rate of decrease in tophus size. For example, in one study of 18 patients with non-tophaceous gout, serum uric acid declined to 2.7-5.4 mg/dL (0.16-0.32 mM) in all subjects within 3 months of starting urate lowering therapy (Pascual and Sivera, Ann. Rheum. Dis. 66:1056-1058). However, it took 12 months with normalized serum uric acid for MSU crystals to disappear from asymptomatic knee or first MTP joints in patients who had gout for less than 10 years, vs. 18 months in those with gout for more than 10 years. Therefore, effective treatment of gout does not require complete clearance of tophi or resolution of all symptoms, e.g., joint pain and swelling, inflammation, but simply a reduction in at least one sign or symptom of gout, e.g., reduction in severity or frequency of gout attacks, in conjunction with a reduction in serum urate levels.

Currently available treatments for gout are contraindicated or ineffective in a number of subjects. Allopurinol, a common first line treatment to reduce uric acid levels in subjects with gout, is contraindicated in a number of populations, especially those with compromised renal function, as discussed above. Further, a number of subjects fail treatment with allopurinol, e.g., subjects who suffer gout flares despite treatment, or subjects who suffer from rashes or hypersensitivity reactions associated with allopurinol.

In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in treatment of subjects with gout and impaired renal function. For example, in certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with gout and chronic kidney disease. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods are for use in subjects with gout who are suffering from one or more of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or inflammatory disease; or elderly subjects (e.g., over 65). In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods are for use in subjects with gout who are also taking a drug that can reduce kidney function as demonstrated by the drug label. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with gout who are being treated with oral coagulants or probencid. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with gout who are being treated with diuretics, especially thiazide diuretics. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with gout who have failed treatment with allopurinol.

In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are used in combination with other agents to reduce serum uric acid. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are used in combination with agents for treatment of symptoms of gout, e.g., analgesic or anti-inflammatory agents, e.g., NSAIDS.

C. NAFLD

NAFLD is associated with hyperuricemia (Xu et al., J. Hepatol. 62:1412-1419, 2015). The definition of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) requires that (a) there is evidence of hepatic steatosis, either by imaging or by histology and (b) there are no causes for secondary hepatic fat accumulation such as significant alcohol consumption, use of steatogenic medication or hereditary disorders. In the majority of patients, NAFLD is associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. NAFLD is histologically further categorized into nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NAFL is defined as the presence of hepatic steatosis with no evidence of hepatocellular injury in the form of ballooning of the hepatocytes. NASH is defined as the presence of hepatic steatosis and inflammation with hepatocyte injury (ballooning) with or without fibrosis (Chalasani et al., Hepatol. 55:2005-2023, 2012). It is generally agreed that patients with simple steatosis have very slow, if any, histological progression, while patients with NASH can exhibit histological progression to cirrhotic-stage disease. The long term outcomes of patients with NAFLD and NASH have been reported in several studies. Their findings can be summarized as follows; (a) patients with NAFLD have increased overall mortality compared to matched control populations, (b) the most common cause of death in patients with NAFLD, NAFL, and NASH is cardiovascular disease, and (c) patients with NASH (but not NAFL) have an increased liver-related mortality rate. In a mouse model of NAFLD, treatment with allopurinol both prevented the development of hepatic steatosis, but also significantly ameliorated established hepatic steatosis in mice (Xu et al., J. Hepatol. 62:1412-1419, 2015).

As discussed above, treatment with allopurinol is contraindicated in a number of populations, especially those with compromised renal function.

In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in treatment of subjects with NAFLD and impaired renal function. For example, in certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with NAFLD and chronic kidney disease. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods are for use in subjects with NAFLD who are suffering from one or more of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or inflammatory disease; or elderly subjects (e.g., over 65). In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods are for use in subjects with NAFLD who are also taking a drug that can reduce kidney function as demonstrated by the drug label. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with NAFLD who are being treated with oral coagulants or probencid. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with NAFLD who are being treated with diuretics, especially thiazide diuretics. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with NAFLD who have failed treatment with allopurinol.

In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are used in combination with other agents to reduce serum uric acid. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are used in combination with agents for treatment of symptoms of NAFLD.

D. Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease has been associated with hyperuricemia. Allopurinol has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of cardiovascular disease in animal models and humans including myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, hypoxia, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension (Pacher et al., Pharma. Rev. 58:87-114, 2006). As discussed above, treatment with allopurinol is contraindicated in a number of populations, especially those with compromised renal function.

In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in treatment of subjects with cardiovascular disease and impaired renal function. For example, in certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods are for use in subjects with cardiovascular disease who are suffering from one or more of metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or inflammatory disease. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods are for use in subjects with cardiovascular disease who are also taking a drug that can reduce kidney function as demonstrated by the drug label. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with cardiovascular disease who are being treated with oral coagulants or probencid. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with cardiovascular disease who are being treated with diuretics, especially thiazide diuretics. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with cardiovascular disease who have failed treatment with allopurinol.

In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are used in combination with other agents to reduce serum uric acid. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are used in combination with agents for treatment of symptoms of cardiovascular disease, e.g., agents to decrease blood pressure, e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers, alpha-2 receptor antagonists, combined alpha- and beta-blockers, central agonists, peripheral adrenergic inhibitors, and blood vessel dialators; or agents to decrease cholesterol, e.g., statins, selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors, resins, or lipid lowering therapies.

E. Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Resistance, and Type 2 Diabetes

Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes are associated with hyperuricemia (Cardoso et al., J. Pediatr. 89:412-418, 2013).

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of conditions defined as at least three of the five following metabolic risk factors:

-   -   1. Large waistline (≥35 inches for women or ≥40 inches for men);     -   2. High triglyceride level (≥150 mg/dl);     -   3. Low HDL cholesterol (≤50 mg/dl for women or ≤40 mg/dl for         men);     -   4. Elevated blood pressure (≥130/85) or on medicine to treat         high blood pressure; and

5. High fasting blood sugar (≥100 mg/dl) or being in medicine to treat high blood sugar.

Insulin resistance is characterized by the presence of at least one of:

-   -   1. A fasting blood glucose level of 100-125 mg/dL taken at two         different times; or     -   2. An oral glucose tolerance test with a result of a glucose         level of 140-199 mg/dL at 2 hours after glucose consumption.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by at least one of:

-   -   1. A fasting blood glucose level≥126 mg/dL taken at two         different times;     -   2. A hemoglobin A1c (A1C) test with a result of ≥6.5% or higher;         or     -   3. An oral glucose tolerance test with a result of a glucose         level≥200 mg/dL at 2 hours after glucose consumption.

Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes are often associated with decreased renal function or the potential for decreased renal function.

In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in treatment of subjects with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes and impaired renal function. For example, in certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods are for use in subjects with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes who are suffering from one or more of cardiovascular disease, hypothyroidism, or inflammatory disease; or elderly subjects (e.g., over 65). In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods are for use in subjects with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes who are also taking a drug that can reduce kidney function as demonstrated by the drug label. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes who are being treated with oral coagulants or probencid. For example, in certain embodiments the compositions and methods of the invention are for use in subjects with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes who are being treated with diuretics, especially thiazide diuretics.

In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are used in combination with other agents to reduce serum uric acid. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are used in combination with agents for treatment of symptoms of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes. In certain embodiments, subjects are treated with e.g., agents to decrease blood pressure, e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers, alpha-2 receptor antagonists, combined alpha- and beta-blockers, central agonists, peripheral adrenergic inhibitors, and blood vessel dialators; agents to decrease cholesterol, e.g., statins, selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors, resins, or lipid lowering therapies; or agents to normalize blood sugar, e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor antagonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors.

The iRNA and additional therapeutic agents may be administered at the same time or in the same combination, e.g., parenterally, or the additional therapeutic agent can be administered as part of a separate composition or at separate times or by another method known in the art or described herein.

In one embodiment, the method includes administering a composition featured herein such that expression of the target XDH gene is decreased in at least one tissue, e.g., in liver, such as for about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 16, 18, 24 hours, 28, 32, or about 36 hours. In one embodiment, expression of the target XDH gene is decreased for an extended duration, e.g., at least about two, three, four days or more, e.g., about one week, two weeks, three weeks, or four weeks or longer, in at least one tissue, e.g., liver.

Preferably, the iRNAs useful for the methods and compositions featured herein specifically target RNAs (primary or processed) of the target XDH gene. Compositions and methods for inhibiting the expression of these genes using iRNAs can be prepared and performed as described herein.

Administration of the iRNA according to the methods of the invention may result in a reduction of the severity, signs, symptoms, or markers of such diseases or disorders in a patient with a disorder of elevated serum uric acid. By “reduction” in this context is meant a statistically significant decrease in such level. The reduction can be, for example, at least about 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, or to below the level of detection of the assay used. For certain measures, a reduction of a marker to the lowest possible level may not be desirable. For example, as used herein, reduction includes a lowering towards or to a normal serum uric acid level in the subject. For example, reduction includes lowering towards or preferably to 6.8 mg/dl or less of serum uric acid. In certain embodiments, reduction includes lowering to 6 mg/dl or less of serum uric acid. Typically, a serum uric acid level of at least 2 mg/dl is preferred. Similarly, triglyceride levels are preferably lowered (i.e., normalized) to less than 150 mg/dl and fasting blood sugar is lowered (i.e., normalized) to less than 100 mg/dl. Such considerations are well understood by those of skill in the art.

Efficacy of treatment or prevention of disease can be assessed, for example by measuring disease progression, disease remission, symptom severity, reduction in pain, quality of life, dose of a medication required to sustain a treatment effect, level of a disease marker, or any other measurable parameter appropriate for a given disease being treated or targeted for prevention. It is well within the ability of one skilled in the art to monitor efficacy of treatment or prevention by measuring any one of such parameters, or any combination of parameters. For example, efficacy of treatment of an XDH related disorder. Diagnostic criteria for a number of XDH related disorders are provided above. The exact criteria for treatment or prevention will depend on the disease or condition present in the subject or the disease or condition to which the subject is susceptible. Treatment and prevention typically include normalization or maintenance of normal clinical laboratory values.

Comparisons of the later readings with the initial readings provide a physician an indication of whether the treatment is effective. It is well within the ability of one skilled in the art to monitor efficacy of treatment or prevention by measuring any one of such parameters, or any combination of parameters. In connection with the administration of an iRNA targeting XDH or pharmaceutical composition thereof, “effective against” an XDH related disorder indicates that administration in a clinically appropriate manner results in a beneficial effect for at least a statistically significant fraction of patients, such as a improvement of symptoms, a cure, a reduction in disease, extension of life, improvement in quality of life, or other effect generally recognized as positive by medical doctors familiar with treating XDH-related disorders.

A treatment or preventive effect is evident when there is a statistically significant improvement in one or more parameters of disease status, or by a failure to worsen or to develop symptoms where they would otherwise be anticipated. As an example, a favorable change of at least 10% in a measurable parameter of disease, and preferably at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more can be indicative of effective treatment, e.g., normalization of a clinical laboratory value. Efficacy for a given iRNA drug or formulation of that drug can also be judged using an experimental animal model for the given disease as known in the art. When using an experimental animal model, efficacy of treatment is evidenced when a statistically significant reduction in a marker or symptom is observed.

Alternatively, the efficacy can be measured by a reduction in the severity of disease as determined by one skilled in the art of diagnosis based on a clinically accepted disease severity grading scale. Any positive change resulting in e.g., lessening of severity of disease measured using the appropriate scale, represents adequate treatment using an iRNA or iRNA formulation as described herein.

Subjects can be administered a therapeutic amount of iRNA, such as about 0.01 mg/kg to about 200 mg/kg.

The iRNA can be administered by intravenous infusion over a period of time, on a regular basis. In certain embodiments, after an initial treatment regimen, the treatments can be administered on a less frequent basis. Administration of the iRNA can reduce XDH levels, e.g., in at least one of a cell, tissue, blood, urine, or other compartment of the patient by at least about 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, or below the level of detection of the assay method used.

Before administration of a full dose of the iRNA, patients can be administered a smaller dose, such as a 5% infusion reaction, and monitored for adverse effects, such as an allergic reaction. In another example, the patient can be monitored for unwanted immunostimulatory effects, such as increased cytokine (e.g., TNF-alpha or INF-alpha) levels.

Alternatively, the iRNA can be administered subcutaneously, i.e., by subcutaneous injection. One or more injections may be used to deliver the desired daily dose of iRNA to a subject. The injections may be repeated over a period of time. The administration may be repeated on a regular basis. In certain embodiments, after an initial treatment regimen, the treatments can be administered on a less frequent basis. A repeat-dose regimen may include administration of a therapeutic amount of iRNA on a regular basis, such as every other day or to once a year. In certain embodiments, the iRNA is administered about once per month to about once per quarter (i.e., about once every three months).

IX. Cell Type XDH Expression

XDH is expressed predominantly in the liver and intestine, However, adipocytes and other extrahepatic tissues express XDH and thus can contribute significant amounts of uric acid in the body. As a result, silencing XDH mRNA in obese patients with high BMI may result in less uric acid lowering than in lean patients. Additionally, silencing XDH mRNA in the liver may be insufficient to lower urate levels given extrahepatic XDH expression. In patients with reduced, but not complete, urinary uric acid excretion, silencing liver XDH mRNA may be insufficient to reduce urate burden from poor renal clearance (defects such as SLC2A9, ABCG2 etc.) Therefore, the efficacy of the iRNA compounds of the invention to prevent or treat an XDH-associated condition, and the amount required for an effective dose, may depend, at least in part, on the amount of fat present in the subject rather than the overall size of the subject. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the invention are not for treatment or not for treatment as a single agent in subjects who are obese, i.e., a body mass index (BMI)≥30.0 wherein BMI is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness.

This invention is further illustrated by the following examples which should not be construed as limiting. The entire contents of all references, patents and published patent applications cited throughout this application, as well as the Sequence Listing, are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Examples Example 1. iRNA Synthesis Source of Reagents

Where the source of a reagent is not specifically given herein, such reagent can be obtained from any supplier of reagents for molecular biology at a quality/purity standard for application in molecular biology.

Transcripts

siRNA Design

A set of siRNAs targeting the human XDH “xanthine dehydrogenase” gene (human: NCBI refseqID NM_000379; NCBI GeneID: 7498), as well as toxicology-species XDH orthologs (cynomolgus monkey: XM_005576184; mouse: NM_011723; rat, NM_017154) were designed using custom R and Python scripts. The human NM_000379 REFSEQ mRNA, version 3, has a length of 5717 bases. The rationale and method for the set of siRNA designs is as follows: the predicted efficacy for every potential 19mer siRNA from position 80 through position 5717 (the coding region and 3′ UTR) was determined with a linear model derived the direct measure of mRNA knockdown from more than 20,000 distinct siRNA designs targeting a large number of vertebrate genes. Subsets of the XDH siRNAs were designed with perfect or near-perfect matches between human, cynomolgus and rhesus monkey. A further subset was designed with perfect or near-perfect matches to mouse and rat XDH orthologs. For each strand of the siRNA, a custom Python script was used in a brute force search to measure the number and positions of mismatches between the siRNA and all potential alignments in the target species transcriptome. Extra weight was given to mismatches in the seed region, defined here as positions 2-9 of the antisense oligonucleotide, as well the cleavage site of the siRNA, defined here as positions 10-11 of the antisense oligonucleotide. The relative weight of the mismatches was 2.8; 1.2: 1 for seed mismatches, cleavage site, and other positions up through antisense position 19. Mismatches in the first position were ignored. A specificity score was calculated for each strand by summing the value of each weighted mismatch. Preference was given to siRNAs whose antisense score in human and cynomolgus monkey was >=2.0 and predicted efficacy was >=50% knockdown of the XDH transcript.

siRNA Synthesis

XDH siRNA sequences are synthesized at 1 umol scale on Mermade 192 synthesizer (BioAutomation) using the solid support mediated phosphoramidite chemistry. The solid support is controlled pore glass (500° A) loaded with custom GalNAc ligand or universal solid support (AM biochemical). Ancillary synthesis reagents, 2′-F and 2′-O-Methyl RNA and deoxy phosphoramidites are obtained from Thermo-Fisher (Milwaukee, Wis.) and Hongene (China). 2′F, 2′-O-Methyl, RNA, DNA and other modified nucleosides are introduced in the sequences using the corresponding phosphoramidites. Synthesis of 3′ GalNAc conjugated single strands is performed on a GalNAc modified CPG support. Custom CPG universal solid support is used for the synthesis of antisense single strands. Coupling time for all phosphoramidites (100 mM in acetonitrile) is 5 min employing 5-Ethylthio-1H-tetrazole (ETT) as activator (0.6 M in acetonitrile). Phosphorothioate linkages are generated using a 50 mM solution of 3-((Dimethylamino-methylidene) amino)-3H-1, 2, 4-dithiazole-3-thione (DDTT, obtained from Chemgenes (Wilmington, Mass., USA) in anhydrous acetonitrile/pyridine (1:1 v/v). Oxidation time is 3 minutes. All sequences are synthesized with final removal of the DMT group (“DMT off”).

Upon completion of the solid phase synthesis, oligoribonucleotides are cleaved from the solid support and deprotected in sealed 96 deep well plates using 200 μL Aqueous Methylamine reagent at 60° C. for 20 minutes. For sequences containing 2′ ribo residues (2′-OH) that are protected with tert-butyl dimethyl silyl (TBDMS) group, a second step deprotection is performed using TEA.3HF (triethylamine trihydro fluoride) reagent. To the methylamine deprotection solution, 200 uL of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 300 ul TEA.3HF reagent is added and the solution was incubated for additional 20 min at 60° C. At the end of cleavage and deprotection step, the synthesis plate is allowed to come to room temperature and is precipitated by addition of 1 mL of acetontile: ethanol mixture (9:1). The plates are cooled at −80° C. for 2 hrs and the supernatant decanted carefully with the aid of a multi channel pipette. The oligonucleotide pellet is re-suspended in 20 mM NaOAc buffer and desalted using a 5 mL HiTrap size exclusion column (GE Healthcare) on an AKTA Purifier System equipped with an A905 autosampler and a Frac 950 fraction collector. Desalted samples are collected in 96 well plates. Samples from each sequence are analyzed by LC-MS to confirm the identity, UV (260 nm) for quantification and a selected set of samples by IEX chromatography to determine purity.

Annealing of XDH single strands is performed on a Tecan liquid handling robot. Equimolar mixture of sense and antisense single strands are combined and annealed in 96 well plates. After combining the complementary single strands, the 96 well plate is sealed tightly and heated in an oven at 100° C. for 10 minutes and allowed to come slowly to room temperature over a period 2-3 hours. The concentration of each duplex is normalized to 10 uM in 1×PBS and then submitted for in vitro screening assays.

A detailed list of the unmodified XDH sense and antisense strand sequences is shown in Table 3 and a detailed list of the modified XDH sense and antisense strand sequences is shown in Table 4.

Example 2—In Vitro Screening—Primary Mouse Hepatocytes and Primary Cyno Hepatocytes Cell Culture and Transfections:

Primary Mouse Hepatocytes (PMH) (GIBCO) and Primary Cyno Hepatocytes (PCH) (Celsis) were transfected by adding 4.9 μl of Opti-MEM plus 0.1 μl of Lipofectamine RNAiMax per well (Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif. cat #13778-150) to 5 μl of siRNA duplexes per well into a 384-well plate and incubated at room temperature for 15 minutes. Forty 1 of William's E Medium (Life Tech) containing about 5×10³ cells were then added to the siRNA mixture. Cells were incubated for 24 hours prior to RNA purification. Single dose experiments were performed at 10 nM and 0.0 nM.

Total RNA Isolation Using DYNABEADS mRNA Isolation Kit:

RNA was isolated using an automated protocol on a BioTek-EL406 platform using DYNABEADs (Invitrogen, cat#61012). Briefly, 50 μl of Lysis/Binding Buffer and 25 μl of lysis buffer containing 3 μl of magnetic beads were added to the plate with cells. Plates were incubated on an electromagnetic shaker for 10 minutes at room temperature and then magnetic beads were captured and the supernatant was removed. Bead-bound RNA was then washed 2 times with 150 μl Wash Buffer A and once with Wash Buffer B. Beads were then washed with 150 μl Elution Buffer, re-captured and the supernatant was removed.

cDNA Synthesis Using ABI High Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif., Cat #4368813):

Ten μl of a master mix containing 1 μl 10× Buffer, 0.4 μl 25× dNTPs, 1 μl 10× Random primers, 0.5 μl Reverse Transcriptase, 0.5 μl RNase inhibitor and 6.6 μl of H₂O per reaction was added to RNA isolated above. Plates were sealed, mixed, and incubated on an electromagnetic shaker for 10 minutes at room temperature, followed by 2 hours at 37° C. Plates are then incubated at 81° C. for 8 minutes.

Real Time PCR:

Two μl of cDNA were added to a master mix containing 0.5 μl of GAPDH TaqMan Probe (Hs99999905 ml), 0.5 μl XDH probe and 5 μl Lightcycler 480 probe master mix (Roche Cat #04887301001) per well in a 384 well plates (Roche cat #04887301001). Real time PCR was performed in a LightCycler480 Real Time PCR system (Roche). Each duplex was assayed at least two times and data were normalized to cells transfected with a non-targeting control siRNA.

To calculate relative fold change, real time data was analyzed using the ΔΔCt method and normalized to assays performed with cells transfected with 10 nM AD-1955, a non-targeting control siRNA.

The sense and antisense sequences of AD-1955 are:

(SEQ ID NO: 17) SENSE: cuuAcGcuGAGuAcuucGAdTsdT; (SEQ ID NO: 18) ANTISENSE: UCGAAGuACUcAGCGuAAGdTsdT.

Table 5 shows the results of a single dose screen in Primary Cynomolgus Hepatocytes and Primary Mouse Hepatocytes transfected with the indicated modified iRNAs.

TABLE 2 Abbreviations of nucleotide monomers used in nucleic acid sequence representation. It will be understood that these monomers, when present in an oligonucleotide, are mutually linked by 5′-3′- phosphodiester bonds. Abbreviation Nucleotide(s) A Adenosine-3′-phosphate Af 2′-fluoroadenosine-3′-phosphate Afs 2′-fluoroadenosine-3′-phosphorothioate As adenosine-3′-phosphorothioate C cytidine-3′-phosphate Cf 2′-fluorocytidine-3′-phosphate Cfs 2′-fluorocytidine-3′-phosphorothioate Cs cytidine-3′-phosphorothioate G guanosine-3′-phosphate Gf 2′-fluoroguanosine-3′-phosphate Gfs 2′-fluoroguanosine-3′-phosphorothioate Gs guanosine-3′-phosphorothioate T 5′-methyluridine-3′-phosphate Tf 2′-fluoro-5-methyluridine-3′-phosphate Tfs 2′-fluoro-5-methyluridine-3′-phosphorothioate Ts 5-methyluridine-3′-phosphorothioate U Uridine-3′-phosphate Uf 2′-fluorouridine-3′-phosphate Ufs 2′-fluorouridine-3′-phosphorothioate Us uridine-3′-phosphorothioate N any nucleotide (G, A, C, T or U) a 2′-O-methyladenosine-3′-phosphate as 2′-O-methyladenosine-3′-phosphorothioate c 2′-O-methylcytidine-3′-phosphate cs 2′-O-methylcytidine-3′-phosphorothioate g 2′-O-methylguanosine-3′-phosphate gs 2′-O-methylguanosine-3′-phosphorothioate t 2′-O-methyl-5-methyluridine-3′-phosphate ts 2′-O-methyl-5-methyluridine-3′-phosphorothioate u 2′-O-methyluridine-3′-phosphate us 2′-O-methyluridine-3′-phosphorothioate s phosphorothioate linkage L96 N-[tris(GalNAc-alkyl)-amidodecanoyl)]-4- hydroxyprolinol Hyp-(GalNAc-alkyl)3 dT 2`-deoxythymidine-3`-phosphate dC 2`-deoxycytidine-3`-phosphate Y44 inverted abasic DNA (2-hydroxymethyl- tetrahydrofurane-5-phosphate) (Tgn) Thymidine-glycol nucleic acid (GNA) S-Isomer P Phosphate VP Vinyl-phosphate (Aam) T`-O-(N-methylacetamide)adenosine-3`-phosphate

TABLE 3 Unmodified Sense and Antisense Strand Sequences of XDH dsRNAs Sense SEQ Antisense SEQ Duplex Oligo Sense Sequence ID Position in Oligo Antisense Sequence ID Position in Name Name (5′ to 3′) NO NM_000379.3 Name (5′ to 3′) NO NM_000379.3 AD-70003 A-140499 AACUGUGGAAGGAAUAGGAAA  19 339- A-140500 UUUCCUAUUCCUUCCACAGUUGU 105 337- 358_G21A 358_G21A AD-70049 A-140591 AACUGUGGAAGGAAUAGGAAA  20 339- A-140592 UUUCCUAUUCCUUCCACAGUUGU 106 337- 358_G21A 358_G21A AD-69981 A-140455 GAGGAGAUUGAGAAUGCCUUA  21 490- A-140456 UAAGGCAUUCUCAAUCUCCUCCA 107 488- 509_C21A 509_C21A AD-70027 A-140547 GAGGAGAUUGAGAAUGCCUUA  22 490- A-140548 UAAGGCAUUCUCAAUCUCCUCCA 108 488- 509_C21A 509_C21A AD-69970 A-140433 GAGAUUGAGAAUGCCUUCCAA  23 493-512 A-140434 UUGGAAGGCAUUCUCAAUCUCCU 109 491-512 AD-70016 A-140525 GAGAUUGAGAAUGCCUUCCAA  24 493-512 A-140526 UUGGAAGGCAUUCUCAAUCUCCU 110 491-512 AD-70007 A-140507 GUUCAAGAAUAUGCUGUUUCA  25 888- A-140508 UGAAACAGCAUAUUCUUGAACUU 111 886- 907_C21A 907_C21A AD-70053 A-140599 GUUCAAGAAUAUGCUGUUUCA  26 888- A-140600 UGAAACAGCAUAUUCUUGAACUU 112 886- 907_C21A 907_C21A AD-69995 A-140483 AAAAGACAGAGGUGUUCAGAA  27 1046- A-140484 UUCUGAACACCUCUGUCUUUUGG 113 1044- 1065_G21A 1065_G21A AD-70041 A-140575 AAAAGACAGAGGUGUUCAGAA  28 1046- A-140576 UUCUGAACACCUCUGUCUUUUGG 114 1044- 1065_G21A 1065_G21A AD-69973 A-140439 AAAGACAGAGGUGUUCAGAGA  29 1047- A-140440 UCUCUGAACACCUCUGUCUUUUG 115 1045- 1066_G21A 1066_G21A AD-70019 A-140531 AAAGACAGAGGUGUUCAGAGA  30 1047- A-140532 UCUCUGAACACCUCUGUCUUUUG 116 1045- 1066_G21A 1066_G21A AD-69975 A-140443 CGGAGAGAAGAUGACAUUGCA  31 1357- A-140444 UGCAAUGUCAUCUUCUCUCCGGG 117 1355- 1376_C21A 1376_C21A AD-70021 A-140535 CGGAGAGAAGAUGACAUUGCA  32 1357- A-140536 UGCAAUGUCAUCUUCUCUCCGGG 118 1355- 1376_C21A 1376_C21A AD-69983 A-140459 AGAGAAGAUGACAUUGCCAAA  33 1360- A-140460 UUUGGCAAUGUCAUCUUCUCUCC 119 1358- 1379_G21A 1379_G21A AD-70029 A-140551 AGAGAAGAUGACAUUGCCAAA  34 1360- A-140552 UUUGGCAAUGUCAUCUUCUCUCC 120 1358- 1379_G21A 1379_G21A AD-69986 A-140465 GAAGAUGACAUUGCCAAGGUA  35 1363-1382 A-140466 UACCUUGGCAAUGUCAUCUUCUC 121 1361-1382 AD-70032 A-140557 GAAGAUGACAUUGCCAAGGUA  36 1363-1382 A-140558 UACCUUGGCAAUGUCAUCUUCUC 122 1361-1382 1783- AD-69976 A-140445 CAGUCUGAGGAGGACAUGGUA  37 1802_G21A A-140446 UACCAUGUCCUCCUCAGACUGAC 123 1802_G21A 1783- AD-70022 A-140537 CAGUCUGAGGAGGACAUGGUA  38 1802_G21A A-140538 UACCAUGUCCUCCUCAGACUGAC 124 1802_G21A AD-69987 A-140467 AAGGAUAAGGUUACUUGUGUU  39 2053-2072 A-140468 AACACAAGUAACCUUAUCCUUCG 125 2051-2072 AD-70033 A-140559 AAGGAUAAGGUUACUUGUGUU  40 2053-2072 A-140560 AACACAAGUAACCUUAUCCUUCG 126 2051-2072 2054- AD-69990 A-140473 AGGAUAAGGUUACUUGUGUUA  41 2073_G21A A-140474 UAACACAAGUAACCUUAUCCUUC 127 2073_G21A AD-70036 A-140565 AGGAUAAGGUUACUUGUGUUA  42 2054- A-140566 UAACACAAGUAACCUUAUCCUUC 128 2052- 2073_G21A 2073_G21A AD-69989 A-140471 CAUAUCAUUGGUGCUGUGGUU  43 2077-2096 A-140472 AACCACAGCACCAAUGAUAUGCC 129 2075-2096 AD-70035 A-140563 CAUAUCAUUGGUGCUGUGGUU  44 2077-2096 A-140564 AACCACAGCACCAAUGAUAUGCC 130 2075-2096 AD-69988 A-140469 GUGAAAAUCACCUAUGAAGAA  45 2137-2156 A-140470 UUCUUCAUAGGUGAUUUUCACCC 131 2135-2156 AD-70034 A-140561 GUGAAAAUCACCUAUGAAGAA  46 2137-2156 A-140562 UUCUUCAUAGGUGAUUUUCACCC 132 2135-2156 AD-69996 A-140485 ACAAUUGAGGAUGCUAUAAAA  47 2173- A-140486 UUUUAUAGCAUCCUCAAUUGUGA 133 2171- 2192_G21A 2192_G21A AD-70042 A-140577 ACAAUUGAGGAUGCUAUAAAA  48 2173- A-140578 UUUUAUAGCAUCCUCAAUUGUGA 134 2171- 2192_G21A 2192_G21A AD-69977 A-140447 UGCUAUAAAGAACAACUCCUU  49 2184-2203 A-140448 AAGGAGUUGUUCUUUAUAGCAUC 135 2182-2203 AD-70023 A-140539 UGCUAUAAAGAACAACUCCUU  50 2184-2203 A-140540 AAGGAGUUGUUCUUUAUAGCAUC 136 2182-2203 AD-69978 A-140449 GCUAUAAAGAACAACUCCUUU  51 2185-2204 A-140450 AAAGGAGUUGUUCUUUAUAGCAU 137 2183-2204 AD-70024 A-140541 GCUAUAAAGAACAACUCCUUU  52 2185-2204 A-140542 AAAGGAGUUGUUCUUUAUAGCAU 138 2183-2204 AD-69972 A-140437 UAUAAAGAACAACUCCUUUUA  53 2187-2206 A-140438 UAAAAGGAGUUGUUCUUUAUAGC 139 2185-2206 AD-70018 A-140529 UAUAAAGAACAACUCCUUUUA  54 2187-2206 A-140530 UAAAAGGAGUUGUUCUUUAUAGC 140 2185-2206 AD-69971 A-140435 UAAAGAACAACUCCUUUUAUA  55 2189- A-140436 UAUAAAAGGAGUUGUUCUUUAUA 141 2187- 2208_G21A 2208_G21A AD-70017 A-140527 UAAAGAACAACUCCUUUUAUA  56 2189- A-140528 UAUAAAAGGAGUUGUUCUUUAUA 142 2187- 2208_G21A 2208_G21A AD-69994 A-140481 GACAUGCUGAUAACUGGUGGA  57 2578- A-140482 UCCACCAGUUAUCAGCAUGUCCU 143 2576- 2597_C21A 2597_C21A AD-70040 A-140573 GACAUGCUGAUAACUGGUGGA  58 2578- A-140574 UCCACCAGUUAUCAGCAUGUCCU 144 2576- 2597_C21A 2597_C21A AD-69985 A-140463 AUGCUGAUAACUGGUGGCAGA  59 2581-2600 A-140464 UCUGCCACCAGUUAUCAGCAUGU 145 2579-2600 AD-70031 A-140555 AUGCUGAUAACUGGUGGCAGA  60 2581-2600 A-140556 UCUGCCACCAGUUAUCAGCAUGU 146 2579-2600 AD-69982 A-140457 UGAUAACUGGUGGCAGACAUA  61 2585- A-140458 UAUGUCUGCCACCAGUUAUCAGC 147 2583- 2604_C21A 2604_C21A AD-70028 A-140549 UGAUAACUGGUGGCAGACAUA  62 2585- A-140550 UAUGUCUGCCACCAGUUAUCAGC 148 2583- 2604_C21A 2604_C21A AD-69984 A-140461 UACAAGGUUGGCUUCAUGAAA  63 2620- A-140462 UUUCAUGAAGCCAACCUUGUAUC 149 2618- 2639_G21A 2639_G21A AD-70030 A-140553 UACAAGGUUGGCUUCAUGAAA  64 2620- A-140554 UUUCAUGAAGCCAACCUUGUAUC 150 2618- 2639_G21A 2639_G21A AD-69991 A-140475 ACAAGGUUGGCUUCAUGAAGA  65 2621-2640 A-140476 UCUUCAUGAAGCCAACCUUGUAU 151 2619-2640 AD-70037 A-140567 ACAAGGUUGGCUUCAUGAAGA  66 2621-2640 A-140568 UCUUCAUGAAGCCAACCUUGUAU 152 2619-2640 AD-70005 A-140503 AAGCUUGAGGGUUUCACCUUA  67 2956- A-140504 UAAGGUGAAACCCUCAAGCUUCU 153 2954- 2975_G21A 2975_G21A AD-70051 A-140595 AAGCUUGAGGGUUUCACCUUA  68 2956- A-140596 UAAGGUGAAACCCUCAAGCUUCU 154 2954- 2975_G21A 2975_G21A AD-70002 A-140497 AAGAGUGAGGUUGACAAGUUA  69 3025- A-140498 UAACUUGUCAACCUCACUCUUCC 155 3023- 3044_C21A 3044_C21A AD-70048 A-140589 AAGAGUGAGGUUGACAAGUUA  70 3025- A-140590 UAACUUGUCAACCUCACUCUUCC 156 3023- 3044_C21A 3044_C21A AD-69992 A-140477 GUUCAACAAGGAGAAUUGUUA  71 3042- A-140478 UAACAAUUCUCCUUGUUGAACUU 157 3040- 3061_G21A 3061_G21A AD-70038 A-140569 GUUCAACAAGGAGAAUUGUUA  72 3042- A-140570 UAACAAUUCUCCUUGUUGAACUU 158 3040- 3061_G21A 3061_G21A AD-69993 A-140479 ACAAGGAGAAUUGUUGGAAAA  73 3047-3066 A-140480 UUUUCCAACAAUUCUCCUUGUUG 159 3045-3066 AD-70039 A-140571 ACAAGGAGAAUUGUUGGAAAA  74 3047-3066 A-140572 UUUUCCAACAAUUCUCCUUGUUG 160 3045-3066 AD-69980 A-140453 ACCAAGUUUGGAAUAAGCUUU  75 3091-3110 A-140454 AAAGCUUAUUCCAAACUUGGUGG 161 3089-3110 AD-70026 A-140545 ACCAAGUUUGGAAUAAGCUUU  76 3091-3110 A-140546 AAAGCUUAUUCCAAACUUGGUGG 162 3089-3110 AD-69979 A-140451 UAUCUUCUUUGCCAUCAAAGA  77 3891-3910 A-140452 UCUUUGAUGGCAAAGAAGAUAGA 163 3889-3910 AD-70025 A-140543 UAUCUUCUUUGCCAUCAAAGA  78 3891-3910 A-140544 UCUUUGAUGGCAAAGAAGAUAGA 164 3889-3910 AD-69974 A-140441 UCUUCUUUGCCAUCAAAGAUA  79 3893- A-140442 UAUCUUUGAUGGCAAAGAAGAUA 165 3891- 3912_G21A 3912_G21A AD-70020 A-140533 UCUUCUUUGCCAUCAAAGAUA  80 3893- A-140534 UAUCUUUGAUGGCAAAGAAGAUA 166 3891- 3912_G21A 3912_G21A AD-70004 A-140501 CAGAACAUGGAUCUAUUAAAA  81 4152- A-140502 UUUUAAUAGAUCCAUGUUCUGUG 167 4150- 4171_G21A 4171_G21A AD-70050 A-140593 CAGAACAUGGAUCUAUUAAAA  82 4152- A-140594 UUUUAAUAGAUCCAUGUUCUGUG 168 4150- 4171_G21A 4171_G21A AD-70009 A-140511 ACAAUGAUAAGCAAAUUCAAA  83 4266-4285 A-140512 UUUGAAUUUGCUUAUCAUUGUGU 169 4264-4285 AD-70055 A-140603 ACAAUGAUAAGCAAAUUCAAA  84 4266-4285 A-140604 UUUGAAUUUGCUUAUCAUUGUGU 170 4264-4285 AD-69998 A-140489 AAUGGUGAAUAUGCAAUUAGA  85 4300- A-140490 UCUAAUUGCAUAUUCACCAUUUA 171 4298- 4319_G21A 4319_G21A AD-70044 A-140581 AAUGGUGAAUAUGCAAUUAGA  86 4300- A-140582 UCUAAUUGCAUAUUCACCAUUUA 172 4298- 4319_G21A 4319_G21A AD-70006 A-140505 ACCAAUGAACAGCAAAGCAUA  87 4519-4538 A-140506 UAUGCUUUGCUGUUCAUUGGUUU 173 4517-4538 AD-70052 A-140597 ACCAAUGAACAGCAAAGCAUA  88 4519-4538 A-140598 UAUGCUUUGCUGUUCAUUGGUUU 174 4517-4538 AD-70001 A-140495 CCAUCUUUGAAUCAUUGGAAA  89 4599-4618 A-140496 UUUCCAAUGAUUCAAAGAUGGUU 175 4597-4618 AD-70047 A-140587 CCAUCUUUGAAUCAUUGGAAA  90 4599-4618 A-140588 UUUCCAAUGAUUCAAAGAUGGUU 176 4597-4618 AD-69997 A-140487 AAGAAUAAAGAAUGAAACAAA  91 4618-4637 A-140488 UUUGUUUCAUUCUUUAUUCUUUC 177 4616-4637 AD-70043 A-140579 AAGAAUAAAGAAUGAAACAAA  92 4618-4637 A-140580 UUUGUUUCAUUCUUUAUUCUUUC 178 4616-4637 AD-69999 A-140491 AAUAAAGAAUGAAACAAAUUA  93 4621- A-140492 UAAUUUGUUUCAUUCUUUAUUCU 179 4619- 4640_C21A 4640_C21A AD-70045 A-140583 AAUAAAGAAUGAAACAAAUUA  94 4621- A-140584 UAAUUUGUUUCAUUCUUUAUUCU 180 4619- 4640_C21A 4640_C21A AD-70008 A-140509 AUCCAACCAACUCAAUUAUUA  95 4703- A-140510 UAAUAAUUGAGUUGGUUGGAUUU 181 4701- 4722_G21A 4722_G21A AD-70054 A-140601 AUCCAACCAACUCAAUUAUUA  96 4703- A-140602 UAAUAAUUGAGUUGGUUGGAUUU 182 4701- 4722_G21A 4722_G21A AD-70000 A-140493 CACUGUAUAAAUCCAACCUUA  97 5599- A-140494 UAAGGUUGGAUUUAUACAGUGAA 183 5597- 5618_C21A 5618_C21A AD-70046 A-140585 CACUGUAUAAAUCCAACCUUA  98 5599- A-140586 UAAGGUUGGAUUUAUACAGUGAA 184 5597- 5618_C21A 5618_C21A AD-70015 A-140523 AACUGUGGAAGGCAUAGGAAA  99 337-356 A-140524 UUUCCUAUGCCUUCCACAGUUGU 185 335-356 AD-70012 A-140517 GGAUUUCAAACCUUUAGAUCA 100 673- A-140518 UGAUCUAAAGGUUUGAAAUCCUC 186 671- 692_C21A 692_C21A AD-70014 A-140521 ACAGAGAUAGGCAUUGAAAUA 101 860- A-140522 UAUUUCAAUGCCUAUCUCUGUGU 187 858- 879_G21A 879_G21A AD-70010 A-140513 GGCAUUGAAAUGAAAUUUAAA 102 869-888 A-140514 UUUAAAUUUCAUUUCAAUGCCUA 188 867-888 AD-70013 A-140519 ACAAUCCAGGAUGCUAUAAAA 103 2168- A-140520 UUUUAUAGCAUCCUGGAUUGUGA 189 2166- 2187_G21A 2187_G21A AD-70011 A-140515 CAAGAUGGAAGUGGAGAAAUU 104 3019-3038 A-140516 AAUUUCUCCACUUCCAUCUUGCG 190 3017-3038

TABLE 4 XDH Modified Sequences Sense SEQ Antisense SEQ Duplex Oligo Sense Sequence ID Start in Oligo Antisense Sequence ID Start in Name Name (5′ to 3′) NO NM_000379.3 Name (5′ to 3′) NO NM_000379.3 AD-70003 A-140499 AACUGUGGAAGGAAUAGGAA 191  339 A-140500 UUUCCUAUUCCUUCCACA 277  337 AdTdT GUUGUdTdT AD-70049 A-140591 asascuguGfgAfAfGfgaa 192  339 A-140592 usUfsuccUfaUfUfccu 278  337 uaggaaaL96 uCfcAfcaguusgsu AD-69981 A-140455 GAGGAGAUUGAGAAUGCCUU 193  490 A-140456 UAAGGCAUUCUCAAUCUC 279  488 AdTdT CUCCAdTdT AD-70027 A-140547 gsasggagAfuUfGfAfgaa 194  490 A-140548 usAfsaggCfaUfUfcuc 280  488 ugccuuaL96 aAfuCfuccucscsa AD-69970 A-140433 GAGAUUGAGAAUGCCUUCCA 195  493 A-140434 UUGGAAGGCAUUCUCAAU 281  491 AdTdT CUCCUdTdT AD-70016 A-140525 gsasgauuGfaGfAfAfugc 196  493 A-140526 usUfsggaAfgGfCfauu 282  491 cuuccaaL96 cUfcAfaucucscsu AD-70007 A-140507 GUUCAAGAAUAUGCUGUUUC 197  888 A-140508 UGAAACAGCAUAUUCUUG 283  886 AdTdT AACUUdTdT AD-70053 A-140599 gsusucaaGfaAfUfAfugc 198  888 A-140600 usGfsaaaCfaGfCfaua 284  886 uguuucaL96 uUfcUfugaacsusu AD-69995 A-140483 AAAAGACAGAGGUGUUCAGA 199 1046 A-140484 UUCUGAACACCUCUGUCU 285 1044 AdTdT UUUGGdTdT AD-70041 A-140575 asasaagaCfaGfAfGfgug 200 1046 A-140576 usUfscugAfaCfAfccu 286 1044 uucagaaL96 cUfgUfcuuuusgsg AD-69973 A-140439 AAAGACAGAGGUGUUCAGAG 201 1047 A-140440 UCUCUGAACACCUCUGUC 287 1045 AdTdT UUUUGdTdT AD-70019 A-140531 asasagacAfgAfGfGfugu 202 1047 A-140532 usCfsucuGfaAfCfacc 288 1045 ucagagaL96 uCfuGfucuuususg AD-69975 A-140443 CGGAGAGAAGAUGACAUUGC 203 1357 A-140444 UGCAAUGUCAUCUUCUCU 289 1355 AdTdT CCGGGdTdT AD-70021 A-140535 csgsgagaGfaAfGfAfuga 204 1357 A-140536 usGfscaaUfgUfCfauc 290 1355 cauugcaL96 uUfcUfcuccgsgsg AD-69983 A-140459 AGAGAAGAUGACAUUGCCAA 205 1360 A-140460 UUUGGCAAUGUCAUCUUC 291 1358 AdTdT UCUCCdTdT AD-70029 A-140551 asgsagaaGfaUfGfAfcau 206 1360 A-140552 usUfsuggCfaAfUfguc 292 1358 ugccaaaL96 aUfcUfucucuscsc AD-69986 A-140465 GAAGAUGACAUUGCCAAGGU 207 1363 A-140466 UACCUUGGCAAUGUCAUC 293 1361 AdTdT UUCUCdTdT AD-70032 A-140557 gsasagauGfaCfAfUfugc 208 1363 A-140558 usAfsccuUfgGfCfaau 294 1361 caagguaL96 gUfcAfucuucsusc AD-69976 A-140445 CAGUCUGAGGAGGACAUGGU 209 1783 A-140446 UACCAUGUCCUCCUCAGA 295 1781 AdTdT CUGACdTdT AD-70022 A-140537 csasgucuGfaGfGfAfgga 210 1783 A-140538 usAfsccaUfgUfCfcuc 296 1781 caugguaL96 cUfcAfgacugsasc AD-69987 A-140467 AAGGAUAAGGUUACUUGUGU 211 2053 A-140468 AACACAAGUAACCUUAUC 297 2051 UdTdT CUUCGdTdT AD-70033 A-140559 asasggauAfaGfGfUfuac 212 2053 A-140560 asAfscacAfaGfUfaac 298 2051 uuguguuL96 cUfuAfuccuuscsg AD-69990 A-140473 AGGAUAAGGUUACUUGUGUU 213 2054 A-140474 UAACACAAGUAACCUUAU 299 2052 AdTdT CCUUCdTdT AD-70036 A-140565 asgsgauaAfgGfUfUfacu 214 2054 A-140566 usAfsacaCfaAfGfuaa 300 2052 uguguuaL96 cCfuUfauccususc AD-69989 A-140471 CAUAUCAUUGGUGCUGUGGU 215 2077 A-140472 AACCACAGCACCAAUGAU 301 2075 UdTdT AUGCCdTdT AD-70035 A-140563 csasuaucAfuUfGfGfugc 216 2077 A-140564 asAfsccaCfaGfCfacc 302 2075 ugugguuL96 aAfuGfauaugscsc AD-69988 A-140469 GUGAAAAUCACCUAUGAAGA 217 2137 A-140470 UUCUUCAUAGGUGAUUUU 303 2135 AdTdT CACCCdTdT AD-70034 A-140561 gsusgaaaAfuCfAfCfcua 218 2137 A-140562 usUfscuuCfaUfAfggu 304 2135 ugaagaaL96 gAfuUfuucacscsc AD-69996 A-140485 ACAAUUGAGGAUGCUAUAAA 219 2173 A-140486 UUUUAUAGCAUCCUCAAU 305 2171 AdTdT UGUGAdTdT AD-70042 A-140577 ascsaauuGfaGfGfAfugc 220 2173 A-140578 usUfsuuaUfaGfCfauc 306 2171 uauaaaaL96 cUfcAfauugusgsa AD-69977 A-140447 UGCUAUAAAGAACAACUCCU 221 2184 A-140448 AAGGAGUUGUUCUUUAUA 307 2182 UdTdT GCAUCdTdT AD-70023 A-140539 usgscuauAfaAfGfAfaca 222 2184 A-140540 asAfsggaGfuUfGfuuc 308 2182 acuccuuL96 uUfuAfuagcasusc AD-69978 A-140449 GCUAUAAAGAACAACUCCUU 223 2185 A-140450 AAAGGAGUUGUUCUUUAU 309 2183 UdTdT AGCAUdTdT AD-70024 A-140541 gscsuauaAfaGfAfAfcaa 224 2185 A-140542 asAfsaggAfgUfUfguu 310 2183 cuccuuuL96 cUfuUfauagcsasu AD-69972 A-140437 UAUAAAGAACAACUCCUUUU 225 2187 A-140438 UAAAAGGAGUUGUUCUUU 311 2185 AdTdT AUAGCdTdT AD-70018 A-140529 usasuaaaGfaAfCfAfacu 226 2187 A-140530 usAfsaaaGfgAfGfuug 312 2185 ccuuuuaL96 uUfcUfuuauasgsc AD-69971 A-140435 UAAAGAACAACUCCUUUUAU 227 2189 A-140436 UAUAAAAGGAGUUGUUCU 313 2187 AdTdT UUAUAdTdT AD-70017 A-140527 usasaagaAfcAfAfCfucc 228 2189 A-140528 usAfsuaaAfaGfGfagu 314 2187 uuuuauaL96 uGfuUfcuuuasusa AD-69994 A-140481 GACAUGCUGAUAACUGGUGG 229 2578 A-140482 UCCACCAGUUAUCAGCAU 315 2576 AdTdT GUCCUdTdT AD-70040 A-140573 gsascaugCfuGfAfUfaac 230 2578 A-140574 usCfscacCfaGfUfuau 316 2576 ugguggaL96 cAfgCfaugucscsu AD-69985 A-140463 AUGCUGAUAACUGGUGGCAG 231 2581 A-140464 UCUGCCACCAGUUAUCAG 317 2579 AdTdT CAUGUdTdT AD-70031 A-140555 asusgcugAfuAfAfCfugg 232 2581 A-140556 usCfsugcCfaCfCfagu 318 2579 uggcagaL96 uAfuCfagcausgsu AD-69982 A-140457 UGAUAACUGGUGGCAGACAU 233 2585 A-140458 UAUGUCUGCCACCAGUUA 319 2583 AdTdT UCAGCdTdT AD-70028 A-140549 usgsauaaCfuGfGfUfggc 234 2585 A-140550 usAfsuguCfuGfCfcac 320 2583 agacauaL96 cAfgUfuaucasgsc AD-69984 A-140461 UACAAGGUUGGCUUCAUGAA 235 2620 A-140462 UUUCAUGAAGCCAACCUU 321 2618 AdTdT GUAUCdTdT AD-70030 A-140553 usascaagGfuUfGfGfcuu 236 2620 A-140554 usUfsucaUfgAfAfgcc 322 2618 caugaaaL96 aAfcCfuuguasusc AD-69991 A-140475 ACAAGGUUGGCUUCAUGAAG 237 2621 A-140476 UCUUCAUGAAGCCAACCU 323 2619 AdTdT UGUAUdTdT AD-70037 A-140567 ascsaaggUfuGfGfCfuuc 238 2621 A-140568 usCfsuucAfuGfAfagc 324 2619 augaagaL96 cAfaCfcuugusasu AD-70005 A-140503 AAGCUUGAGGGUUUCACCUU 239 2956 A-140504 UAAGGUGAAACCCUCAAG 325 2954 AdTdT CUUCUdTdT AD-70051 A-140595 asasgcuuGfaGfGfGfuuu 240 2956 A-140596 usAfsaggUfgAfAfacc 326 2954 caccuuaL96 cUfcAfagcuuscsu AD-70002 A-140497 AAGAGUGAGGUUGACAAGUU 241 3025 A-140498 UAACUUGUCAACCUCACU 327 3023 AdTdT CUUCCdTdT AD-70048 A-140589 asasgaguGfaGfGfUfuga 242 3025 A-140590 usAfsacuUfgUfCfaac 328 3023 caaguuaL96 cUfcAfcucuuscsc AD-69992 A-140477 GUUCAACAAGGAGAAUUGUU 243 3042 A-140478 UAACAAUUCUCCUUGUUG 329 3040 AdTdT AACUUdTdT AD-70038 A-140569 gsusucaaCfaAfGfGfaga 244 3042 A-140570 usAfsacaAfuUfCfucc 330 3040 auuguuaL96 uUfgUfugaacsusu AD-69993 A-140479 ACAAGGAGAAUUGUUGGAAA 245 3047 A-140480 UUUUCCAACAAUUCUCCU 331 3045 AdTdT UGUUGdTdT AD-70039 A-140571 ascsaaggAfgAfAfUfugu 246 3047 A-140572 usUfsuucCfaAfCfaau 332 3045 uggaaaaL96 uCfuCfcuugususg AD-69980 A-140453 ACCAAGUUUGGAAUAAGCUU 247 3091 A-140454 AAAGCUUAUUCCAAACUU 333 3089 UdTdT GGUGGdTdT AD-70026 A-140545 ascscaagUfuUfGfGfaau 248 3091 A-140546 asAfsagcUfuAfUfucc 334 3089 aagcuuuL96 aAfaCfuuggusgsg AD-69979 A-140451 UAUCUUCUUUGCCAUCAAAG 249 3891 A-140452 UCUUUGAUGGCAAAGAAG 335 3889 AdTdT AUAGAdTdT AD-70025 A-140543 usasucuuCfuUTUfGfcca 250 3891 A-140544 usCfsuuuGfaUfGfgca 336 3889 ucaaagaL96 aAfgAfagauasgsa AD-69974 A-140441 UCUUCUUUGCCAUCAAAGAU 251 3893 A-140442 UAUCUUUGAUGGCAAAGA 337 3891 AdTdT AGAUAdTdT AD-70020 A-140533 uscsuucuUfuGfCfCfauc 252 3893 A-140534 usAfsucuUfuGfAfugg 338 3891 aaagauaL96 cAfaAfgaagasusa AD-70004 A-140501 CAGAACAUGGAUCUAUUAAA 253 4152 A-140502 UUUUAAUAGAUCCAUGUU 339 4150 AdTdT CUGUGdTdT AD-70050 A-140593 csasgaacAfuGfGfAfucu 254 4152 A-140594 usUfsuuaAfuAfGfauc 340 4150 auuaaaaL96 cAfuGfuucugsusg AD-70009 A-140511 ACAAUGAUAAGCAAAUUCAA 255 4266 A-140512 UUUGAAUUUGCUUAUCAU 341 4264 AdTdT UGUGUdTdT AD-70055 A-140603 ascsaaugAfuAfAfGfcaa 256 4266 A-140604 usUfsugaAfuUTUfgcu 342 4264 auucaaaL96 uAfuCfauugusgsu AD-69998 A-140489 AAUGGUGAAUAUGCAAUUAG 257 4300 A-140490 UCUAAUUGCAUAUUCACC 343 4298 AdTdT AUUUAdTdT AD-70044 A-140581 asasugguGfaAfUfAfugc 258 4300 A-140582 usCfsuaaUfuGfCfaua 344 4298 aauuagaL96 uUfcAfccauususa AD-70006 A-140505 ACCAAUGAACAGCAAAGCAU 259 4519 A-140506 UAUGCUUUGCUGUUCAUU 345 4517 AdTdT GGUUUdTdT AD-70052 A-140597 ascscaauGfaAfCfAfgca 260 4519 A-140598 usAfsugcUfuUfGfcug 346 4517 aagcauaL96 uUfcAfuuggususu AD-70001 A-140495 CCAUCUUUGAAUCAUUGGAA 261 4599 A-140496 UUUCCAAUGAUUCAAAGA 347 4597 AdTdT UGGUUdTdT AD-70047 A-140587 cscsaucuUfuGfAfAfuca 262 4599 A-140588 usUfsuccAfaUfGfauu 348 4597 uuggaaaL96 cAfaAfgauggsusu AD-69997 A-140487 AAGAAUAAAGAAUGAAACAA 263 4618 A-140488 UUUGUUUCAUUCUUUAUU 349 4616 AdTdT CUUUCdTdT AD-70043 A-140579 asasgaauAfaAfGfAfaug 264 4618 A-140580 usUfsuguUfuCfAfuuc 350 4616 aaacaaaL96 uUfuAfuucuususc AD-69999 A-140491 AAUAAAGAAUGAAACAAAUU 265 4621 A-140492 UAAUUUGUUUCAUUCUUU 351 4619 AdTdT AUUCUdTdT AD-70045 A-140583 asasuaaaGfaAfUfGfaaa 266 4621 A-140584 usAfsauuUfgUfUfuca 352 4619 caaauuaL96 uUfcUfuuauuscsu AD-70008 A-140509 AUCCAACCAACUCAAUUAUU 267 4703 A-140510 UAAUAAUUGAGUUGGUUG 353 4701 AdTdT GAUUUdTdT AD-70054 A-140601 asusccaaCfcAfAfCfuca 268 4703 A-140602 usAfsauaAfuUfGfagu 354 4701 auuauuaL96 uGfgUfuggaususu AD-70000 A-140493 CACUGUAUAAAUCCAACCUU 269 5599 A-140494 UAAGGUUGGAUUUAUACA 355 5597 AdTdT GUGAAdTdT AD-70046 A-140585 csascuguAfuAfAfAfucc 270 5599 A-140586 usAfsaggUfuGfGfauu 356 5597 aaccuuaL96 uAfuAfcagugsasa AD-70015 A-140523 AACUGUGGAAGGCAUAGGAA 271  337 A-140524 UUUCCUAUGCCUUCCACA 357  335 AdTdT GUUGUdTdT AD-70012 A-140517 GGAUUUCAAACCUUUAGAUC 272  673 A-140518 UGAUCUAAAGGUUUGAAA 358  671 AdTdT UCCUCdTdT AD-70014 A-140521 ACAGAGAUAGGCAUUGAAAU 273  860 A-140522 UAUUUCAAUGCCUAUCUC 359  858 AdTdT UGUGUdTdT AD-70010 A-140513 GGCAUUGAAAUGAAAUUUAA 274  869 A-140514 UUUAAAUUUCAUUUCAAU 360  867 AdTdT GCCUAdTdT AD-70013 A-140519 ACAAUCCAGGAUGCUAUAAA 275 2168 A-140520 UUUUAUAGCAUCCUGGAU 361 2166 UGUGAdTdT AD-70011 A-140515 CAAGAUGGAAGUGGAGAAAUUdTdT 276 3019 A-140516 AAUUUCUCCACUUCCAUC 362 3017 UUGCGdTdT

TABLE 5 Single dose screen in Primary Cynomolgus Hepatocytes and Primary Mouse Hepatocytes PrimaryCynomolgus Primary Mouse Hepatocytes Hepatocytes 10 10 0.1 0.1 10 10 0.1 0.1 nM nM nM nM nM nM nM nM Duplex ID Avg SD Avg SD Avg SD Avg SD AD-70016 34.3 6.9 41.7 5.2 4.5 0.6 38.1 3.4 AD-70017 65.5 5.0 66.2 4.2 8.0 2.5 73.6 7.1 AD-70018 36.3 0.9 74.9 18.3 5.9 1.1 49.6 6.7 AD-70019 59.4 9.2 62.9 13.3 19.8 0.5 123.9 18.8 AD-70020 40.5 7.0 38.9 6.6 10.7 0.8 122.7 24.0 AD-70021 41.0 2.1 72.5 7.6 13.7 1.5 88.1 5.8 AD-70022 44.8 5.9 49.7 19.0 17.3 2.3 105.7 7.6 AD-70023 37.2 9.0 71.7 11.0 5.6 1.7 30.6 5.9 AD-70024 61.0 10.5 86.4 9.3 7.2 0.6 32.6 4.0 AD-70025 40.9 9.2 80.1 9.1 35.3 3.8 109.3 4.9 AD-70026 41.1 5.7 54.1 8.1 7.3 1.1 57.8 4.8 AD-70027 39.0 5.5 57.9 7.2 11.8 1.6 102.4 18.8 AD-70028 47.1 2.6 55.1 15.9 11.0 2.2 95.9 17.2 AD-70029 41.5 7.5 62.7 9.8 8.3 2.0 63.5 11.2 AD-70030 42.4 5.9 45.2 11.0 16.6 1.8 101.1 7.5 AD-70031 52.4 2.2 67.8 20.1 38.0 4.6 99.5 11.6 AD-70032 51.1 6.0 74.3 14.9 22.4 9.9 100.9 12.8 AD-70033 19.6 6.7 45.7 7.5 6.2 0.8 27.2 6.9 AD-70034 39.0 9.1 88.9 22.1 16.2 3.8 89.2 6.2 AD-70035 37.4 16.3 84.0 6.5 16.1 1.7 96.5 7.7 AD-70036 53.0 5.9 61.3 11.3 49.8 7.1 105.9 8.4 AD-70037 46.3 9.1 102.4 23.5 17.1 3.5 97.7 12.5 AD-70038 49.0 3.6 54.3 17.6 86.4 5.3 95.6 11.5 AD-70039 56.3 10.5 85.4 11.4 75.0 5.8 101.6 10.3 AD-70040 52.8 3.5 101.1 17.9 95.9 5.1 96.2 11.1 AD-70041 66.5 20.5 85.7 12.1 48.7 3.0 97.7 5.3 AD-70042 34.8 4.6 47.4 4.2 20.3 1.1 106.8 11.1 AD-70043 42.0 4.7 85.8 22.5 117.6 19.4 113.4 24.1 AD-70044 37.5 9.6 47.1 22.7 87.4 13.6 111.6 16.7 AD-70045 50.9 4.8 84.4 18.3 95.5 5.4 108.8 5.4 AD-70046 81.3 20.3 61.2 21.6 95.5 5.4 111.8 18.5 AD-70047 59.7 12.4 82.7 28.2 100.0 9.7 93.2 14.2 AD-70048 46.7 8.6 61.3 10.3 96.8 11.9 109.7 23.7 AD-70049 33.8 10.8 76.7 15.3 20.4 5.7 95.4 6.8 AD-70050 27.1 4.7 57.7 4.9 107.8 11.0 101.1 5.2 AD-70051 27.6 7.3 76.8 6.7 101.5 14.5 99.1 12.7 AD-70052 36.2 13.1 37.6 14.8 110.3 11.4 109.3 14.8 AD-70053 26.7 5.9 86.9 15.1 104.6 21.4 100.9 9.7 AD-70055 36.5 7.6 58.9 16.7 105.0 14.5 98.7 8.0 AD-69970 47.5 4.5 48.5 7.1 6.1 0.9 22.5 7.7 AD-69971 60.2 11.6 88.4 25.0 10.1 4.8 33.2 10.4 AD-69972 52.8 4.5 67.8 17.0 6.5 1.9 25.5 10.9 AD-69973 36.2 5.3 64.5 13.0 46.6 13.2 50.1 13.9 AD-69974 30.3 3.5 60.8 11.2 9.1 1.5 44.8 11.0 AD-69975 29.7 3.2 48.6 8.2 12.5 6.2 20.3 3.2 AD-69976 40.4 6.0 67.6 5.4 10.4 2.3 45.9 10.3 AD-69977 45.7 7.1 91.6 12.5 6.3 0.9 19.7 3.4 AD-69979 25.8 4.3 58.0 7.1 14.6 9.8 37.8 2.9 AD-69980 30.9 7.9 51.6 13.5 9.5 2.6 23.1 6.3 AD-69981 37.0 6.0 44.2 9.2 14.2 10.8 47.8 3.0 AD-69982 22.6 2.8 48.4 10.7 9.3 1.2 30.4 10.0 AD-69983 31.1 3.6 49.7 10.7 7.9 0.8 27.8 5.6 AD-69984 39.7 6.8 66.2 13.0 49.0 1.1 87.8 13.2 AD-69985 39.2 4.5 47.7 5.4 14.0 3.9 40.0 8.3 AD-69986 21.0 8.3 55.4 7.9 6.8 0.7 24.0 0.7 AD-69987 18.6 6.0 49.4 10.0 11.5 6.0 14.3 3.6 AD-69988 29.5 3.1 56.4 9.9 10.7 3.7 17.2 5.5 AD-69989 28.4 7.8 61.5 8.3 13.3 7.5 22.9 5.7 AD-69990 28.4 4.0 66.5 18.3 13.5 7.9 46.4 8.6 AD-69991 37.4 8.1 48.6 3.8 12.4 1.3 52.4 4.5 AD-69992 31.3 5.6 63.3 23.3 117.7 27.8 101.8 4.3 AD-69993 40.4 3.1 54.4 5.3 86.3 12.9 86.7 9.5 AD-69994 30.1 7.5 60.5 5.5 46.0 15.2 78.7 11.6 AD-69995 51.9 7.6 98.7 22.7 17.0 2.3 72.0 3.2 AD-69996 34.3 4.5 43.2 4.9 72.1 14.5 89.4 9.5 AD-69998 37.3 4.3 64.0 2.8 120.6 15.1 105.5 15.8 AD-69999 60.4 13.0 97.6 20.1 122.9 40.3 92.6 12.9 AD-70000 74.5 11.1 84.3 9.5 120.4 15.4 97.9 27.4 AD-70001 39.8 5.9 73.5 11.2 121.6 16.8 101.7 19.2 AD-70002 35.7 3.3 63.0 6.9 102.2 8.7 84.2 15.9 AD-70003 26.4 4.3 55.7 5.1 9.8 3.3 43.1 11.1 AD-70004 42.1 5.9 58.1 15.0 130.1 45.5 104.0 9.4 AD-70005 25.7 2.5 53.8 5.4 146.4 47.4 102.7 18.9 AD-70006 31.6 3.7 50.4 1.5 110.2 19.2 106.4 15.4 AD-70007 31.1 4.4 49.5 4.9 120.1 16.3 89.2 3.0 AD-70008 40.2 3.6 64.4 3.2 106.1 13.1 105.6 22.0 AD-70009 39.7 5.4 63.7 3.5 112.1 8.1 98.7 20.3 AD-70010 96.3 26.2 110.6 11.7 5.2 1.4 10.2 3.4 AD-70011 77.0 10.7 102.9 12.6 10.3 1.1 15.9 2.0 AD-70012 92.4 23.9 95.6 7.4 8.1 1.4 16.1 2.7 AD-70013 44.8 9.2 79.9 2.3 6.7 0.8 14.3 3.0 AD-70014 84.6 17.7 88.4 9.5 6.9 1.6 16.2 2.8 AD-70015 48.4 14.9 80.8 6.2 8.0 2.2 14.5 2.4

Example 3. iRNA Synthesis and In Vitro Screening in Primary Human Hepatocytes

siRNA Design

A set of siRNAs targeting human XDH “xanthine dehydrogenase” gene (human NCBI refseqID: NM_000379; NCBI GeneID: 7498) were designed using custom R and Python scripts. The human XDH REFSEQ mRNA has a length of 5717 bases. The rationale and method for the set of siRNA designs is as follows: the predicted efficacy for every potential 19mer siRNA from position 10 through position 5717 was determined with a linear model derived the direct measure of mRNA knockdown from more than 20,000 distinct siRNA designs targeting a large number of vertebrate genes. The custom Python script built the set of siRNAs by systematically selecting a siRNA every 11 bases along the target mRNA starting at position 10. At each of the positions, the neighboring siRNA (one position to the 5′ end of the mRNA, one position to the 3′ end of the mRNA) was swapped into the design set if the predicted efficacy was better than the efficacy at the exact every-11th siRNA. Low complexity siRNAs, i.e., those with Shannon Entropy measures below 1.35 were excluded from the set.

A detailed list of the unmodified XDH sense and antisense strand sequences is shown in Table 6 and a detailed list of the modified XDH sense and antisense strand sequences is shown in Table 7.

Cell Culture and Transfections

Primary human hepatocytes were thawed and cultured in WMEM with 5% FBS and maintenance reagents (Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif. Cat #CM3000) on collagen-coated plates. After 24 hours, media was removed and replaced with 40 μl of WMEM with maintenance reagents (Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif. Cat # CM4000) containing −5×10³ cells. Separately, 7.35 μl of Opti-MEM plus 0.15 μl of Lipofectamine RNAiMax per well (Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif. cat #13778-150) was added to 7.5 μl of siRNA duplexe and incubated at room temperature for 20 minutes. Ten μl of lipoplex mixture was then transferred to the cells. Cells were incubated for 24 hours prior to RNA purification. Single dose experiments were performed at 10 nM final duplex concentration.

Total RNA Isolation Using DYNABEADS mRNA Isolation Kit:

RNA was isolated using an automated protocol on a BioTek-EL406 platform using DYNABEADs (Invitrogen, cat#61012). Briefly, 50 μl of Lysis/Binding Buffer and 25 μl of lysis buffer containing 3 μl of magnetic beads were added to the plate with cells. Plates were incubated on an electromagnetic shaker for 10 minutes at room temperature and then magnetic beads were captured and the supernatant was removed. Bead-bound RNA was then washed 2 times with 150 μl Wash Buffer A and once with Wash Buffer B. Beads were then washed with 150 μl Elution Buffer, re-captured and supernatant removed.

cDNA Synthesis Using ABI High Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif., Cat #4368813):

Ten μl of a master mix containing 1 μl 10× Buffer, 0.4 μl 25× dNTPs, 1 μl 10× Random primers, 0.5 μl Reverse Transcriptase, 0.5 μl RNase inhibitor and 6.6 μl of H₂O per reaction was added to RNA isolated above. Plates were sealed, mixed, and incubated on an electromagnetic shaker for 10 minutes at room temperature, followed by 2 hours at 37° C.

Real Time PCR:

Two μl of cDNA were added to a master mix containing 0.5 μl of GAPDH TaqMan Probe (4326317E), 0.5 μl XDH probe (Hs00166010_ml) and 5 μl Lightcycler 480 probe master mix (Roche Cat #04887301001) per well in a 384 well plates (Roche cat #04887301001). Real time PCR was done in a LightCycler480 Real Time PCR system (Roche) using the ΔΔCt(RQ) assay. Each duplex was tested in four independent transfections.

To calculate relative fold change, real time data was analyzed using the ΔΔCt method and normalized to assays performed with mock transfected cells.

Table 8 shows the results of a single dose screen in Primary Human Hepatocytes transfected with the indicated iRNAs.

TABLE 6 XDH Unmodified Sequences Sense SEQ Antisense SEQ Duplex Oligo Sense Sequence ID Position in Oligo Antisense Sequence ID Position in Name Name (5′ to 3′) NO NM_000379.3 Name (5′ to 3′) NO NM_000379.3 AD-71930 A-143855 ACUACCUGCCAGUGUCUCU 363 18-36 A-143856 AGAGACACUGGCAGGUAGU 677 18-36 AD-71931 A-143857 UUAGGAGUGAGGUACCUGA 364 36-54 A-143858 UCAGGUACCUCACUCCUAA 678 36-54 AD-71932 A-143861 AACCUGUGACAAUGACAGA 365 69-87 A-143862 UCUGUCAUUGUCACAGGUU 679 69-87 AD-71933 A-143863 GCAGACAAAUUGGUUUUCU 366  86-104 A-143864 AGAAAACCAAUUUGUCUGC 680  86-104 AD-71934 A-143865 UUUGUGAAUGGCAGAAAGA 367 104-122 A-143866 UCUUUCUGCCAUUCACAAA 681 104-122 AD-71935 A-143867 AAGGUGGUGGAGAAAAAUA 368 119-137 A-143868 UAUUUUUCUCCACCACCUU 682 119-137 AD-71936 A-143871 CCUUUUGGCCUACCUGAGA 369 154-172 A-143872 UCUCAGGUAGGCCAAAAGG 683 154-172 AD-71937 A-143873 AAGAAAGUUGGGGCUGAGU 370 172-190 A-143874 ACUCAGCCCCAACUUUCUU 684 172-190 AD-71938 A-143875 AGUGGAACCAAGCUCGGCU 371 188-206 A-143876 AGCCGAGCUUGGUUCCACU 685 188-206 AD-71939 A-143877 CUGUGGAGAGGGGGGCUGA 372 205-223 A-143878 UCAGCCCCCCUCUCCACAG 686 205-223 AD-71940 A-143879 CGGGGCUUGCACAGUGAUA 373 223-241 A-143880 UAUCACUGUGCAAGCCCCG 687 223-241 AD-71941 A-143881 AUGCUCUCCAAGUAUGAUA 374 239-257 A-143882 UAUCAUACUUGGAGAGCAU 688 239-257 AD-71942 A-143885 UCGUCCACUUUUCUGCCAA 375 273-291 A-143886 UUGGCAGAAAAGUGGACGA 689 273-291 AD-71943 A-143887 AUGCCUGCCUGGCCCCCAU 376 291-309 A-143888 AUGGGGGCCAGGCAGGCAU 690 291-309 AD-71944 A-143889 AUCUGCUCCUUGCACCAUA 377 308-326 A-143890 UAUGGUGCAAGGAGCAGAU 691 308-326 AD-71945 A-143891 UGUUGCAGUGACAACUGUA 378 325-343 A-143892 UACAGUUGUCACUGCAACA 692 325-343 AD-71946 A-143893 UGGAAGGAAUAGGAAGCAA 379 342-360 A-143894 UUGCUUCCUAUUCCUUCCA 693 342-360 AD-71947 A-143895 CACCAAGACGAGGCUGCAU 380 358-376 A-143896 AUGCAGCCUCGUCUUGGUG 694 358-376 AD-71948 A-143897 UCCUGUGCAGGAGAGAAUU 381 376-394 A-143898 AAUUCUCUCCUGCACAGGA 695 376-394 AD-71949 A-143899 AUUGCCAAAAGCCACGGCU 382 392-410 A-143900 AGCCGUGGCUUUUGGCAAU 696 392-410 AD-71950 A-143901 UCCCAGUGCGGGUUCUGCA 383 410-428 A-143902 UGCAGAACCCGCACUGGGA 697 410-428 AD-71951 A-143903 UGCACCCCUGGCAUCGUCA 384 425-443 A-143904 UGACGAUGCCAGGGGUGCA 698 425-443 AD-71952 A-143905 UGAGUAUGUACACACUGCU 385 444-462 A-143906 AGCAGUGUGUACAUACUCA 699 444-462 AD-71953 A-143907 UGCUCCGGAAUCAGCCCGA 386 459-477 A-143908 UCGGGCUGAUUCCGGAGCA 700 459-477 AD-71954 A-143909 AGCCCACCAUGGAGGAGAU 387 477-495 A-143910 AUCUCCUCCAUGGUGGGCU 701 477-495 AD-71955 A-143911 UUGAGAAUGCCUUCCAAGA 388 495-513 A-143912 UCUUGGAAGGCAUUCUCAA 702 495-513 AD-71956 A-143913 AAGGAAAUCUGUGCCGCUA 389 510-528 A-143914 UAGCGGCACAGAUUUCCUU 703 510-528 AD-71957 A-143915 CACAGGCUACAGACCCAUA 390 529-547 A-143916 UAUGGGUCUGUAGCCUGUG 704 529-547 AD-71958 A-143917 CAUCCUCCAGGGCUUCCGA 391 544-562 A-143918 UCGGAAGCCCUGGAGGAUG 705 544-562 AD-71959 A-143919 ACCUUUGCCAGGGAUGGUA 392 563-581 A-143920 UACCAUCCCUGGCAAAGGU 760 563-581 AD-71960 A-143921 UGGAUGCUGUGGAGGAGAU 393 580-598 A-143922 AUCUCCUCCACAGCAUCCA 707 580-598 AD-71961 A-143923 GAUGGGAAUAAUCCAAAUU 394 596-614 A-143924 AAUUUGGAUUAUUCCCAUC 708 596-614 AD-71962 A-143927 AGAAAGACCACUCAGUCAA 395 630-648 A-143928 UUGACUGAGUGGUCUUUCU 709 630-648 AD-71963 A-143929 AGCCUCUCGCCAUCUUUAU 396 647-665 A-143930 AUAAAGAUGGCGAGAGGCU 710 647-665 AD-71964 A-143931 UAUUCAAACCAGAGGAGUU 397 663-681 A-143932 AACUCCUCUGGUUUGAAUA 711 663-681 AD-71965 A-143933 UUCACGCCCCUGGAUCCAA 398 680-698 A-143934 UUGGAUCCAGGGGCGUGAA 712 680-698 AD-71966 A-143935 AACCCAGGAGCCCAUUUUU 399 697-715 A-143936 AAAAAUGGGCUCCUGGGUU 713 697-715 AD-71967 A-143937 UUCCCCCAGAGUUGCUGAA 400 714-732 A-143938 UUCAGCAACUCUGGGGGAA 714 714-732 AD-71968 A-143939 AGGCUGAAAGACACUCCUA 401 731-749 A-143940 UAGGAGUGUCUUUCAGCCU 715 731-749 AD-71969 A-143941 UCGGAAGCAGCUGCGAUUU 402 748-766 A-143942 AAAUCGCAGCUGCUUCCGA 716 748-766 AD-71970 A-143943 UUGAAGGGGAGCGUGUGAA 403 765-783 A-143944 UUCACACGCUCCCCUUCAA 717 765-783 AD-71971 A-143945 CGUGGAUACAGGCCUCAAA 404 783-801 A-143946 UUUGAGGCCUGUAUCCACG 718 783-801 AD-71972 A-143947 AACCCUCAAGGAGCUGCUA 405 799-817 A-143948 UAGCAGCUCCUUGAGGGUU 719 799-817 AD-71973 A-143949 UGGACCUCAAGGCUCAGCA 406 816-834 A-143950 UGCUGAGCCUUGAGGUCCA 720 816-834 AD-71974 A-143951 ACCCUGACGCCAAGCUGGU 407 834-852 A-143952 ACCAGCUUGGCGUCAGGGU 721 834-852 AD-71975 A-143953 UCGUGGGGAACACGGAGAU 408 852-870 A-143954 AUCUCCGUGUUCCCCACGA 722 852-870 AD-71976 A-143955 AUUGGCAUUGAGAUGAAGU 409 869-887 A-143956 ACUUCAUCUCAAUGCCAAU 723 869-887 AD-71977 A-143957 AAGUUCAAGAAUAUGCUGU 410 884-902 A-143958 ACAGCAUAUUCUUGAACUU 724 884-902 AD-71978 A-143959 UUUCCUAUGAUUGUCUGCA 411 902-920 A-143960 UGCAGACAAUCAUAGGAAA 725 902-920 AD-71979 A-143961 CCCAGCCUGGAUCCCUGAA 412 919-937 A-143962 UUCAGGGAUCCAGGCUGGG 726 919-937 AD-71980 A-143963 AGCUGAAUUCGGUAGAACA 413 936-954 A-143964 UGUUCUACCGAAUUCAGCU 727 936-954 AD-71981 A-143965 CAUGGACCCGACGGUAUCU 414 953-971 A-143966 AGAUACCGUCGGGUCCAUG 728 953-971 AD-71982 A-143967 UCUCCUUUGGAGCUGCUUA 415 969-987 A-143968 UAAGCAGCUCCAAAGGAGA 729 969-987 AD-71983 A-143969 UGCCCCCUGAGCAUUGUGA 416  986-1004 A-143970 UCACAAUGCUCAGGGGGCA 730  986-1004 AD-71984 A-143971 AAAAAACCCUGGUGGAUGA 417 1005-1023 A-143972 UCAUCCACCAGGGUUUUUU 731 1005-1023 AD-71985 A-143973 UGCUGUUGCUAAGCUUCCU 418 1021-1039 A-143974 AGGAAGCUUAGCAACAGCA 732 1021-1039 AD-71986 A-143975 CCUGCCCAAAAGACAGAGA 419 1037-1055 A-143976 UCUCUGUCUUUUGGGCAGG 733 1037-1055 AD-71987 A-143977 UGUUCAGAGGGGUCCUGGA 420 1056-1074 A-143978 UCCAGGACCCCUCUGAACA 734 1056-1074 AD-71988 A-143979 UGGAGCAGCUGCGCUGGUU 421 1071-1089 A-143980 AACCAGCGCAGCUGCUCCA 735 1071-1089 AD-71989 A-143981 UUUGCUGGGAAGCAAGUCA 422 1088-1106 A-143982 UGACUUGCUUCCCAGCAAA 736 1088-1106 AD-71990 A-143983 CAAGUCUGUGGCGUCCGUU 423 1105-1123 A-143984 AACGGACGCCACAGACUUG 737 1105-1123 AD-71991 A-143985 UGGAGGGAACAUCAUCACU 424 1123-1141 A-143986 AGUGAUGAUGUUCCCUCCA 738 1123-1141 AD-71992 A-143987 UGCCAGCCCCAUCUCCGAA 425 1141-1159 A-143988 UUCGGAGAUGGGGCUGGCA 739 1141-1159 AD-71993 A-143989 ACCUCAACCCCGUGUUCAU 426 1158-1176 A-143990 AUGAACACGGGGUUGAGGU 740 1158-1176 AD-71994 A-143991 UCAUGGCCAGUGGGGCCAA 427 1173-1191 A-143992 UUGGCCCCACUGGCCAUGA 741 1173-1191 AD-71995 A-143993 AAGCUGACACUUGUGUCCA 428 1190-1208 A-143994 UGGACACAAGUGUCAGCUU 742 1190-1208 AD-71996 A-143995 CAGAGGCACCAGGAGAACU 429 1207-1225 A-143996 AGUUCUCCUGGUGCCUCUG 743 1207-1225 AD-71997 A-143997 UGUCCAGAUGGACCACACA 430 1225-1243 A-143998 UGUGUGGUCCAUCUGGACA 744 1225-1243 AD-71998 A-143999 CCUUCUUCCCUGGCUACAA 431 1242-1260 A-144000 UUGUAGCCAGGGAAGAAGG 745 1242-1260 AD-71999 A-144001 AGAAAGACCCUGCUGAGCA 432 1259-1277 A-144002 UGCUCAGCAGGGUCUUUCU 746 1259-1277 AD-72000 A-144003 CCGGAGGAGAUACUGCUCU 433 1277-1295 A-144004 AGAGCAGUAUCUCCUCCGG 747 1277-1295 AD-72001 A-144005 CUCUCCAUAGAGAUCCCCU 434 1292-1310 A-144006 AGGGGAUCUCUAUGGAGAG 748 1292-1310 AD-72002 A-144007 UACAGCAGGGAGGGGGAGU 435 1310-1328 A-144008 ACUCCCCCUCCCUGCUGUA 749 1310-1328 AD-72003 A-144009 AGUAUUUCUCAGCAUUCAA 436 1326-1344 A-144010 UUGAAUGCUGAGAAAUACU 750 1326-1344 AD-72004 A-144011 AAGCAGGCCUCCCGGAGAA 437 1343-1361 A-144012 UUCUCCGGGAGGCCUGCUU 751 1343-1361 AD-72005 A-144013 AAGAUGACAUUGCCAAGGU 438 1362-1380 A-144014 ACCUUGGCAAUGUCAUCUU 752 1362-1380 AD-72006 A-144015 GGUAACCAGUGGCAUGAGA 439 1378-1396 A-144016 UCUCAUGCCACUGGUUACC 753 1378-1396 AD-72007 A-144017 AGAGUUUUAUUCAAGCCAA 440 1394-1412 A-144018 UUGGCUUGAAUAAAACUCU 754 1394-1412 AD-72008 A-144019 AGGAACCACAGAGGUACAA 441 1411-1429 A-144020 UUGUACCUCUGUGGUUCCU 755 1411-1429 AD-72009 A-144021 AGGAGCUGGCCCUUUGCUA 442 1428-1446 A-144022 UAGCAAAGGGCCAGCUCCU 756 1428-1446 AD-72010 A-144023 UAUGGUGGAAUGGCCAACA 443 1445-1463 A-144024 UGUUGGCCAUUCCACCAUA 757 1445-1463 AD-72011 A-144025 AGAACCAUCUCAGCCCUCA 444 1463-1481 A-144026 UGAGGGCUGAGAUGGUUCU 758 1463-1481 AD-72012 A-144027 AAGACCACUCAGAGGCAGA 445 1481-1499 A-144028 UCUGCCUCUGAGUGGUCUU 759 1481-1499 AD-72013 A-144029 CAGCUUUCCAAGCUCUGGA 446 1496-1514 A-144030 UCCAGAGCUUGGAAAGCUG 760 1496-1514 AD-72014 A-144031 AGGAGGAGCUGCUGCAGGA 447 1515-1533 A-144032 UCCUGCAGCAGCUCCUCCU 761 1515-1533 AD-72015 A-144033 AGGACGUGUGUGCAGGACU 448 1530-1548 A-144034 AGUCCUGCACACACGUCCU 762 1530-1548 AD-72016 A-144035 UGGCAGAGGAGCUGCAUCU 449 1548-1566 A-144036 AGAUGCAGCUCCUCUGCCA 763 1548-1566 AD-72017 A-144037 UCUGCCUCCCGAUGCCCCU 450 1564-1582 A-144038 AGGGGCAUCGGGAGGCAGA 764 1564-1582 AD-72018 A-144039 GGUGGCAUGGUGGACUUCA 451 1583-1601 A-144040 UGAAGUCCACCAUGCCACC 765 1583-1601 AD-72019 A-144041 UUCCGGUGCACCCUCACCA 452 1598-1616 A-144042 UGGUGAGGGUGCACCGGAA 766 1598-1616 AD-71752 A-144043 UCAGCUUCUUCUUCAAGUU 453 1617-1635 A-144044 AACUUGAAGAAGAAGCUGA 767 1617-1635 AD-71753 A-144045 UUCUACCUGACAGUCCUUA 454 1634-1652 A-144046 UAAGGACUGUCAGGUAGAA 768 1634-1652 AD-71754 A-144049 GAGAACCUGGAAGACAAGU 455 1667-1685 A-144050 ACUUGUCUUCCAGGUUCUC 769 1667-1685 AD-71755 A-144051 UGUGGUAAACUGGACCCCA 456 1685-1703 A-144052 UGGGGUCCAGUUUACCACA 770 1685-1703 AD-71756 A-144053 CACUUUCGCCAGUGCAACU 457 1702-1720 A-144054 AGUUGCACUGGCGAAAGUG 771 1702-1720 AD-71757 A-144055 ACUUUACUGUUUCAGAAAG 458 1718-1736 A-144056 CUUUCUGAAACAGUAAAGU 772 1718-1736 AD-71758 A-144057 AAGACCCCCCAGCCGAUGU 459 1734-1752 A-144058 ACAUCGGCUGGGGGGUCUU 773 1734-1752 AD-71759 A-144059 UCCAGCUCUUCCAAGAGGU 460 1752-1770 A-144060 ACCUCUUGGAAGAGCUGGA 774 1752-1770 AD-71760 A-144061 UGCCCAAGGGUCAGUCUGA 461 1770-1788 A-144062 UCAGACUGACCCUUGGGCA 775 1770-1788 AD-71761 A-144063 GAGGAGGACAUGGUGGGCA 462 1787-1805 A-144064 UGCCCACCAUGUCCUCCUC 776 1787-1805 AD-71762 A-144065 GCCGGCCCCUGCCCCACCU 463 1803-1821 A-144066 AGGUGGGGCAGGGGCCGGC 777 1803-1821 AD-71763 A-144067 CCUGGCAGCGGACAUGCAA 464 1819-1837 A-144068 UUGCAUGUCCGCUGCCAGG 778 1819-1837 AD-71764 A-144069 AGGCCUCUGGUGAGGCCGU 465 1836-1854 A-144070 ACGGCCUCACCAGAGGCCU 779 1836-1854 AD-71765 A-144071 UGUACUGUGACGACAUUCA 466 1854-1872 A-144072 UGAAUGUCGUCACAGUACA 780 1854-1872 AD-71766 A-144073 CUCGCUACGAGAAUGAGCU 467 1872-1890 A-144074 AGCUCAUUCUCGUAGCGAG 781 1872-1890 AD-71767 A-144075 CUGUCUCUCCGGCUGGUCA 468 1889-1907 A-144076 UGACCAGCCGGAGAGACAG 782 1889-1907 AD-71768 A-144079 CCACGCCAAGAUCAAGUCA 469 1921-1939 A-144080 UGACUUGAUCUUGGCGUGG 783 1921-1939 AD-71769 A-144081 CAUAGAUACAUCAGAAGCU 470 1939-1957 A-144082 AGCUUCUGAUGUAUCUAUG 784 1939-1957 AD-71770 A-144085 UUUGUUUGUUUCAUUUCCA 471 1973-1991 A-144086 UGGAAAUGAAACAAACAAA 785 1973-1991 AD-71771 A-144087 GCUGAUGAUGUUCCUGGGA 472 1991-2009 A-144088 UCCCAGGAACAUCAUCAGC 786 1991-2009 AD-71772 A-144093 CAGUCUUUGCGAAGGAUAA 473 2040-2058 A-144094 UUAUCCUUCGCAAAGACUG 787 2040-2058 AD-71773 A-144095 AAGGUUACUUGUGUUGGGA 474 2057-2075 A-144096 UCCCAACACAAGUAACCUU 788 2057-2075 AD-71774 A-144097 CAUAUCAUUGGUGCUGUGA 475 2075-2093 A-144098 UCACAGCACCAAUGAUAUG 789 2075-2093 AD-71775 A-144099 UGGUUGCUGACACCCCGGA 476 2091-2109 A-144100 UCCGGGGUGUCAGCAACCA 790 2091-2109 AD-71776 A-144101 ACACACACAGAGAGCUGCA 477 2110-2128 A-144102 UGCAGCUCUCUGUGUGUGU 791 2110-2128 AD-71777 A-144103 GCCCAAGGGGUGAAAAUCA 478 2126-2144 A-144104 UGAUUUUCACCCCUUGGGC 792 2126-2144 AD-71778 A-144105 UCACCUAUGAAGAACUACA 479 2142-2160 A-144106 UGUAGUUCUUCAUAGGUGA 793 2142-2160 AD-71779 A-144109 GAGGAUGCUAUAAAGAACA 480 2177-2195 A-144110 UGUUCUUUAUAGCAUCCUC 794 2177-2195 AD-71780 A-144111 CAACUCCUUUUAUGGACCU 481 2194-2212 A-144112 AGGUCCAUAAAAGGAGUUG 795 2194-2212 AD-71781 A-144113 CCUGAGCUGAAGAUCGAGA 482 2210-2228 A-144114 UCUCGAUCUUCAGCUCAGG 796 2210-2228 AD-71782 A-144115 AAAGGGGACCUAAAGAAGA 483 2228-2246 A-144116 UCUUCUUUAGGUCCCCUUU 797 2228-2246 AD-71783 A-144117 AGGGGUUUUCCGAAGCAGA 484 2244-2262 A-144118 UCUGCUUCGGAAAACCCCU 798 2244-2262 AD-71784 A-144119 UAAUGUUGUGUCAGGGGAA 485 2263-2281 A-144120 UUCCCCUGACACAACAUUA 799 2263-2281 AD-71785 A-144121 AGAUAUACAUCGGUGGCCA 486 2280-2298 A-144122 UGGCCACCGAUGUAUAUCU 800 2280-2298 AD-71786 A-144123 GCCAAGAGCACUUCUACCU 487 2295-2313 A-144124 AGGUAGAAGUGCUCUUGGC 801 2295-2313 AD-71787 A-144125 GGAGACUCACUGCACCAUU 488 2314-2332 A-144126 AAUGGUGCAGUGAGUCUCC 802 2314-2332 AD-71788 A-144127 UUGCUGUUCCAAAAGGCGA 489 2331-2349 A-144128 UCGCCUUUUGGAACAGCAA 803 2331-2349 AD-71789 A-144129 CGAGGCAGGGGAGAUGGAA 490 2347-2365 A-144130 UUCCAUCUCCCCUGCCUCG 804 2347-2365 AD-71790 A-144131 AGCUCUUUGUGUCUACACA 491 2364-2382 A-144132 UGUGUAGACACAAAGAGCU 805 2364-2382 AD-71791 A-144133 CAGAACACCAUGAAGACCA 492 2381-2399 A-144134 UGGUCUUCAUGGUGUUCUG 806 2381-2399 AD-71792 A-144135 CAGAGCUUUGUUGCAAAAA 493 2399-2417 A-144136 UUUUUGCAACAAAGCUCUG 807 2399-2417 AD-71793 A-144137 AAAAUGUUGGGGGUUCCAA 494 2414-2432 A-144138 UUGGAACCCCCAACAUUUU 808 2414-2432 AD-71794 A-144139 AGCAAACCGGAUUGUGGUU 495 2431-2449 A-144140 AACCACAAUCCGGUUUGCU 809 2431-2449 AD-71795 A-144141 UUCGAGUGAAGAGAAUGGA 496 2448-2466 A-144142 UCCAUUCUCUUCACUCGAA 810 2448-2466 AD-71796 A-144143 AGGAGGCUUUGGAGGCAAA 497 2467-2485 A-144144 UUUGCCUCCAAAGCCUCCU 811 2467-2485 AD-71797 A-144145 AAGGAGACCCGGAGCACUA 498 2483-2501 A-144146 UAGUGCUCCGGGUCUCCUU 812 2483-2501 AD-71798 A-144147 UGUGGUGUCCACGGCAGUA 499 2500-2518 A-144148 UACUGCCGUGGACACCACA 813 2500-2518 AD-71799 A-144149 UGGCCCUGGCUGCAUAUAA 500 2517-2535 A-144150 UUAUAUGCAGCCAGGGCCA 814 2517-2535 AD-71800 A-144153 UGCGAUGCAUGCUGGACCA 501 2550-2568 A-144154 UGGUCCAGCAUGCAUCGCA 815 2550-2568 AD-71801 A-144155 CGUGAUGAGGACAUGCUGA 502 2567-2585 A-144156 UCAGCAUGUCCUCAUCACG 816 2567-2585 AD-71802 A-144157 UAACUGGUGGCAGACAUCA 503 2586-2604 A-144158 UGAUGUCUGCCACCAGUUA 817 2586-2604 AD-71803 A-144159 UCCCUUCCUGGCCAGAUAA 504 2602-2620 A-144160 UUAUCUGGCCAGGAAGGGA 818 2602-2620 AD-71804 A-144161 UACAAGGUUGGCUUCAUGA 505 2618-2636 A-144162 UCAUGAAGCCAACCUUGUA 819 2618-2636 AD-71805 A-144163 AGACUGGGACAGUUGUGGA 506 2637-2655 A-144164 UCCACAACUGUCCCAGUCU 820 2637-2655 AD-71806 A-144165 GCUCUUGAGGUGGACCACU 507 2654-2672 A-144166 AGUGGUCCACCUCAAGAGC 821 2654-2672 AD-71807 A-144167 ACUUCAGCAAUGUGGGGAA 508 2670-2688 A-144168 UUCCCCACAUUGCUGAAGU 822 2670-2688 AD-71808 A-144169 GAACACCCAGGAUCUCUCU 509 2686-2704 A-144170 AGAGAGAUCCUGGGUGUUC 823 2686-2704 AD-71809 A-144171 CAGAGUAUUAUGGAACGAA 510 2705-2723 A-144172 UUCGUUCCAUAAUACUCUG 824 2705-2723 AD-71810 A-144173 AGCUUUAUUCCACAUGGAA 511 2722-2740 A-144174 UUCCAUGUGGAAUAAAGCU 825 2722-2740 AD-71811 A-144175 ACAACUGCUAUAAAAUCCA 512 2739-2757 A-144176 UGGAUUUUAUAGCAGUUGU 826 2739-2757 AD-71812 A-144177 UCCCCAACAUCCGGGGCAA 513 2754-2772 A-144178 UUGCCCCGGAUGUUGGGGA 827 2754-2772 AD-71813 A-144179 UGGGCGGCUGUGCAAAACA 514 2773-2791 A-144180 UGUUUUGCACAGCCGCCCA 828 2773-2791 AD-71814 A-144181 AACCAACCUUCCCUCCAAA 515 2788-2806 A-144182 UUUGGAGGGAAGGUUGGUU 829 2788-2806 AD-71815 A-144183 ACACGGCCUUCCGGGGCUU 516 2805-2823 A-144184 AAGCCCCGGAAGGCCGUGU 830 2805-2823 AD-71816 A-144185 UUGGGGGGCCCCAGGGGAU 517 2823-2841 A-144186 AUCCCCUGGGGCCCCCCAA 831 2823-2841 AD-71817 A-144187 AUGCUCAUUGCCGAGUGCU 518 2840-2858 A-144188 AGCACUCGGCAAUGAGCAU 832 2840-2858 AD-71818 A-144189 UGGAUGAGUGAAGUUGCAA 519 2858-2876 A-144190 UUGCAACUUCACUCAUCCA 833 2858-2876 AD-71819 A-144191 AGUGACCUGUGGGAUGCCU 520 2875-2893 A-144192 AGGCAUCCCACAGGUCACU 834 2875-2893 AD-71820 A-144193 CCUGCAGAGGAGGUGCGGA 521 2891-2909 A-144194 UCCGCACCUCCUCUGCAGG 835 2891-2909 AD-71821 A-144195 AGAAAAAACCUGUACAAAG 522 2909-2927 A-144196 CUUUGUACAGGUUUUUUCU 836 2909-2927 AD-71822 A-144197 AAAGAAGGGGACCUGACAA 523 2924-2942 A-144198 UUGUCAGGUCCCCUUCUUU 837 2924-2942 AD-71823 A-144199 ACACUUCAACCAGAAGCUU 524 2941-2959 A-144200 AAGCUUCUGGUUGAAGUGU 838 2941-2959 AD-71824 A-144201 UUGAGGGUUUCACCUUGCA 525 2958-2976 A-144202 UGCAAGGUGAAACCCUCAA 839 2958-2976 AD-71825 A-144203 CAGAUGCUGGGAAGAAUGA 526 2977-2995 A-144204 UCAUUCUUCCCAGCAUCUG 840 2977-2995 AD-71826 A-144205 UGCCUAGCAAGCUCUCAGU 527 2993-3011 A-144206 ACUGAGAGCUUGCUAGGCA 841 2993-3011 AD-71827 A-144207 UAUCAUGCUCGGAAGAGUA 528 3011-3029 A-144208 UACUCUUCCGAGCAUGAUA 842 3011-3029 AD-71828 A-144209 AGUGAGGUUGACAAGUUCA 529 3026-3044 A-144210 UGAACUUGUCAACCUCACU 843 3026-3044 AD-71829 A-144211 AACAAGGAGAAUUGUUGGA 530 3044-3062 A-144212 UCCAACAAUUCUCCUUGUU 844 3044-3062 AD-71830 A-144213 AAAAAGAGAGGAUUGUGCA 531 3062-3080 A-144214 UGCACAAUCCUCUCUUUUU 845 3062-3080 AD-71831 A-144215 CAUAAUUCCCACCAAGUUU 532 3079-3097 A-144216 AAACUUGGUGGGAAUUAUG 846 3079-3097 AD-71832 A-144217 UUUGGAAUAAGCUUUACAA 533 3095-3113 A-144218 UUGUAAAGCUUAUUCCAAA 847 3095-3113 AD-71833 A-144219 AGUUCCUUUUCUGAAUCAA 534 3112-3130 A-144220 UUGAUUCAGAAAAGGAACU 848 3112-3130 AD-71834 A-144221 AGGCAGGAGCCCUACUUCA 535 3129-3147 A-144222 UGAAGUAGGGCUCCUGCCU 849 3129-3147 AD-71835 A-144223 CAUGUGUACACAGAUGGCU 536 3146-3164 A-144224 AGCCAUCUGUGUACACAUG 850 3146-3164 AD-71836 A-144225 UCUGUGCUGCUGACCCACA 537 3164-3182 A-144226 UGUGGGUCAGCAGCACAGA 851 3164-3182 AD-71837 A-144229 GGCCAAGGCCUUCAUACCA 538 3197-3215 A-144230 UGGUAUGAAGGCCUUGGCC 852 3197-3215 AD-71838 A-144231 AAAAUGGUCCAGGUGGCCA 539 3215-3233 A-144232 UGGCCACCUGGACCAUUUU 853 3215-3233 AD-71839 A-144233 GCCAGUAGAGCUCUGAAAA 540 3230-3248 A-144234 UUUUCAGAGCUCUACUGGC 854 3230-3248 AD-71840 A-144235 AAUCCCCACCUCUAAGAUU 541 3247-3265 A-144236 AAUCUUAGAGGUGGGGAUU 855 3247-3265 AD-71841 A-144237 UAUAUCAGCGAGACAAGCA 542 3266-3284 A-144238 UGCUUGUCUCGCUGAUAUA 856 3266-3284 AD-71842 A-144239 AGCACUAACACUGUGCCCA 543 3281-3299 A-144240 UGGGCACAGUGUUAGUGCU 857 3281-3299 AD-71843 A-144241 CAACACCUCUCCCACGGCU 544 3298-3316 A-144242 AGCCGUGGGAGAGGUGUUG 858 3298-3316 AD-71844 A-144243 UGCCUCUGUCAGCGCUGAA 545 3316-3334 A-144244 UUCAGCGCUGACAGAGGCA 859 3316-3334 AD-71845 A-144245 ACCUCAAUGGACAGGCCGU 546 3333-3351 A-144246 ACGGCCUGUCCAUUGAGGU 860 3333-3351 AD-71846 A-144247 GUCUAUGCGGCUUGUCAGA 547 3350-3368 A-144248 UCUGACAAGCCGCAUAGAC 861 3350-3368 AD-71847 A-144249 AGACCAUCUUGAAAAGGCU 548 3366-3384 A-144250 AGCCUUUUCAAGAUGGUCU 862 3366-3384 AD-71848 A-144251 UGGAACCCUACAAGAAGAA 549 3384-3402 A-144252 UUCUUCUUGUAGGGUUCCA 863 3384-3402 AD-71849 A-144253 AAGAAUCCCAGUGGCUCCU 550 3401-3419 A-144254 AGGAGCCACUGGGAUUCUU 864 3401-3419 AD-71850 A-144255 UGGGAAGACUGGGUCACAA 551 3419-3437 A-144256 UUGUGACCCAGUCUUCCCA 865 3419-3437 AD-71851 A-144257 ACAGCUGCCUACAUGGACA 552 3434-3452 A-144258 UGUCCAUGUAGGCAGCUGU 866 3434-3452 AD-71852 A-144259 ACAGUGAGCUUGUCUGCCA 553 3452-3470 A-144260 UGGCAGACAAGCUCACUGU 867 3452-3470 AD-71853 A-144261 ACUGGGUUUUAUAGAACAA 554 3470-3488 A-144262 UUGUUCUAUAAAACCCAGU 868 3470-3488 AD-71854 A-144263 ACCCAAUCUGGGCUACAGA 555 3487-3505 A-144264 UCUGUAGCCCAGAUUGGGU 869 3487-3505 AD-71855 A-144265 CAGCUUUGAGACUAACUCA 556 3502-3520 A-144266 UGAGUUAGUCUCAAAGCUG 870 3502-3520 AD-71856 A-144267 GGGAACCCCUUCCACUACU 557 3521-3539 A-144268 AGUAGUGGAAGGGGUUCCC 871 3521-3539 AD-71857 A-144269 CUUCAGCUAUGGGGUGGCU 558 3538-3556 A-144270 AGCCACCCCAUAGCUGAAG 872 3538-3556 AD-71858 A-144271 CUUGCUCUGAAGUAGAAAU 559 3555-3573 A-144272 AUUUCUACUUCAGAGCAAG 873 3555-3573 AD-71859 A-144273 AAAUCGACUGCCUAACAGA 560 3570-3588 A-144274 UCUGUUAGGCAGUCGAUUU 874 3570-3588 AD-71860 A-144275 GAGAUCAUAAGAACCUCCA 561 3588-3606 A-144276 UGGAGGUUCUUAUGAUCUC 875 3588-3606 AD-71861 A-144277 GCACAGAUAUUGUCAUGGA 562 3606-3624 A-144278 UCCAUGACAAUAUCUGUGC 876 3606-3624 AD-71862 A-144279 UGGAUGUUGGCUCCAGUCU 563 3621-3639 A-144280 AGACUGGAGCCAACAUCCA 877 3621-3639 AD-71863 A-144281 UAAACCCUGCCAUUGAUAU 564 3639-3657 A-144282 AUAUCAAUGGCAGGGUUUA 878 3639-3657 AD-71864 A-144283 UUGGACAGGUGGAAGGGGA 565 3657-3675 A-144284 UCCCCUUCCACCUGUCCAA 879 3657-3675 AD-71865 A-144285 GGGCAUUUGUCCAGGGCCU 566 3672-3690 A-144286 AGGCCCUGGACAAAUGCCC 880 3672-3690 AD-71866 A-144287 UUGGCCUCUUCACCCUAGA 567 3690-3708 A-144288 UCUAGGGUGAAGAGGCCAA 881 3690-3708 AD-71867 A-144289 AGAGGAGCUACACUAUUCA 568 3706-3724 A-144290 UGAAUAGUGUAGCUCCUCU 882 3706-3724 AD-71868 A-144291 CCCCGAGGGGAGCCUGCAA 569 3724-3742 A-144292 UUGCAGGCUCCCCUCGGGG 883 3724-3742 AD-71869 A-144293 CACACCCGUGGCCCUAGCA 570 3740-3758 A-144294 UGCUAGGGCCACGGGUGUG 884 3740-3758 AD-71870 A-144295 ACCUACAAGAUCCCGGCAU 571 3758-3776 A-144296 AUGCCGGGAUCUUGUAGGU 885 3758-3776 AD-71871 A-144297 UUUGGCAGCAUCCCCAUUA 572 3776-3794 A-144298 UAAUGGGGAUGCUGCCAAA 886 3776-3794 AD-71872 A-144301 CCUGCUCCGCGACUGCCCA 573 3808-3826 A-144302 UGGGCAGUCGCGGAGCAGG 887 3808-3826 AD-71873 A-144303 CAACAAGAAGGCCAUCUAU 574 3826-3844 A-144304 AUAGAUGGCCUUCUUGUUG 888 3826-3844 AD-71874 A-144305 UAUGCAUCGAAGGCUGUUA 575 3842-3860 A-144306 UAACAGCCUUCGAUGCAUA 889 3842-3860 AD-71875 A-144307 UGGAGAGCCGCCCCUCUUA 576 3859-3877 A-144308 UAAGAGGGGCGGCUCUCCA 890 3859-3877 AD-71876 A-144309 UCCUGGCUGCUUCUAUCUU 577 3876-3894 A-144310 AAGAUAGAAGCAGCCAGGA 891 3876-3894 AD-71877 A-144311 UUCUUUGCCAUCAAAGAUA 578 3893-3911 A-144312 UAUCUUUGAUGGCAAAGAA 892 3893-3911 AD-71878 A-144313 CCAUCCGUGCAGCUCGAGA 579 3912-3930 A-144314 UCUCGAGCUGCACGGAUGG 893 3912-3930 AD-71879 A-144315 AGCUCAGCACACAGGUAAU 580 3928-3946 A-144316 AUUACCUGUGUGCUGAGCU 894 3928-3946 AD-71880 A-144317 AAUAACGUGAAGGAACUCU 581 3944-3962 A-144318 AGAGUUCCUUCACGUUAUU 895 3944-3962 AD-71881 A-144319 UUCCGGCUAGACAGCCCUA 582 3962-3980 A-144320 UAGGGCUGUCUAGCCGGAA 896 3962-3980 AD-71882 A-144321 UGCCACCCCGGAGAAGAUA 583 3979-3997 A-144322 UAUCUUCUCCGGGGUGGCA 897 3979-3997 AD-71883 A-144323 AUCCGCAAUGCCUGCGUGA 584 3995-4013 A-144324 UCACGCAGGCAUUGCGGAU 898 3995-4013 AD-71884 A-144325 GACAAGUUCACCACCCUGU 585 4013-4031 A-144326 ACAGGGUGGUGAACUUGUC 899 4013-4031 AD-71885 A-144327 UGUGUGUCACUGGUGUCCA 586 4029-4047 A-144328 UGGACACCAGUGACACACA 900 4029-4047 AD-71886 A-144329 AGAAAACUGCAAACCCUGA 587 4048-4066 A-144330 UCAGGGUUUGCAGUUUUCU 901 4048-4066 AD-71887 A-144331 CUGGUCUGUGAGGGUCUAA 588 4063-4081 A-144332 UUAGACCCUCACAGACCAG 902 4063-4081 AD-71888 A-144333 AAAGAGAGAGUCCUCAGCA 589 4080-4098 A-144334 UGCUGAGGACUCUCUCUUU 903 4080-4098 AD-71889 A-144335 AGAGUCUUCUUGUGCUGCA 590 4098-4116 A-144336 UGCAGCACAAGAAGACUCU 904 4098-4116 AD-71890 A-144337 GCCUUUGGGCUUCCAUGGA 591 4114-4132 A-144338 UCCAUGGAAGCCCAAAGGC 905 4114-4132 AD-71891 A-144341 CAGAACAUGGAUCUAUUAA 592 4150-4168 A-144342 UUAAUAGAUCCAUGUUCUG 906 4150-4168 AD-71892 A-144343 UUAAAGUCACAGAAUGACA 593 4165-4183 A-144344 UGUCAUUCUGUGACUUUAA 907 4165-4183 AD-71893 A-144345 AGACCUGUGAUUUGUCAAA 594 4183-4201 A-144346 UUUGACAAAUCACAGGUCU 908 4183-4201 AD-71894 A-144347 AGAUGGGAUUUGGAAGACA 595 4200-4218 A-144348 UGUCUUCCAAAUCCCAUCU 909 4200-4218 AD-71895 A-144349 AAGUGAAUGCAAUGGAAGA 596 4218-4236 A-144350 UCUUCCAUUGCAUUCACUU 910 4218-4236 AD-71896 A-144351 AAGAUUUUGAUCAAAAAUA 597 4233-4251 A-144352 UAUUUUUGAUCAAAAUCUU 911 4233-4251 AD-71897 A-144353 UGUAAUUUGUAAACACAAU 598 4250-4268 A-144354 AUUGUGUUUACAAAUUACA 912 4250-4268 AD-71898 A-144355 GAUAAGCAAAUUCAAAACU 599 4269-4287 A-144356 AGUUUUGAAUUUGCUUAUC 913 4269-4287 AD-71899 A-144357 ACUGUUAUGCCUAAAUGGU 600 4285-4303 A-144358 ACCAUUUAGGCAUAACAGU 914 4285-4303 AD-71900 A-144359 UGAAUAUGCAAUUAGGAUA 601 4303-4321 A-144360 UAUCCUAAUUGCAUAUUCA 915 4303-4321 AD-71901 A-144361 AUCAUUUUCUGUCUGUUUU 602 4319-4337 A-144362 AAAACAGACAGAAAAUGAU 916 4319-4337 AD-71902 A-144363 UUAAUCAUGUAUCUGGAAU 603 4336-4354 A-144364 AUUCCAGAUACAUGAUUAA 917 4336-4354 AD-71903 A-144365 AAUAGGGUCGGGAAGGGUU 604 4352-4370 A-144366 AACCCUUCCCGACCCUAUU 918 4352-4370 AD-71904 A-144367 UUUGUGCUAUUCCCCACUU 605 4369-4387 A-144368 AAGUGGGGAAUAGCACAAA 919 4369-4387 AD-71905 A-144369 UUACUGGACAGCCUGUAUA 606 4386-4404 A-144370 UAUACAGGCUGUCCAGUAA 920 4386-4404 AD-71906 A-144371 AACCUCAAGUUCUGAUGGU 607 4404-4422 A-144372 ACCAUCAGAACUUGAGGUU 921 4404-4422 AD-71907 A-144373 UGUCUGUCCUUUGAAGAGA 608 4422-4440 A-144374 UCUCUUCAAAGGACAGACA 922 4422-4440 AD-71908 A-144375 AGGAUUCCCACAAACCUCU 609 4438-4456 A-144376 AGAGGUUUGUGGGAAUCCU 923 4438-4456 AD-71909 A-144377 UAGAAGCUUAAACCGAAGU 610 4456-4474 A-144378 ACUUCGGUUUAAGCUUCUA 924 4456-4474 AD-71910 A-144379 AAGUUACUUUAAAUCGUGU 611 4471-4489 A-144380 ACACGAUUUAAAGUAACUU 925 4471-4489 AD-71911 A-144381 UGCCUUCCUGUGAAAGCCU 612 4489-4507 A-144382 AGGCUUUCACAGGAAGGCA 926 4489-4507 AD-71912 A-144383 CUGGCCUUCAAACCAAUGA 613 4506-4524 A-144384 UCAUUGGUUUGAAGGCCAG 927 4506-4524 AD-71913 A-144385 AACAGCAAAGCAUAACCUU 614 4524-4542 A-144386 AAGGUUAUGCUUUGCUGUU 928 4524-4542 AD-71914 A-144387 UUGAAUCUAUACUCAAAUU 615 4541-4559 A-144388 AAUUUGAGUAUAGAUUCAA 929 4541-4559 AD-71915 A-144389 UUUUGCAAUGAGGCAGUGA 616 4558-4576 A-144390 UCACUGCCUCAUUGCAAAA 930 4558-4576 AD-71916 A-144391 UGGGGUAAGGUUAAAUCCU 617 4574-4592 A-144392 AGGAUUUAACCUUACCCCA 931 4574-4592 AD-71917 A-144393 UCUAACCAUCUUUGAAUCA 618 4592-4610 A-144394 UGAUUCAAAGAUGGUUAGA 932 4592-4610 AD-71918 A-144395 AUCAUUGGAAAGAAUAAAG 619 4607-4625 A-144396 CUUUAUUCUUUCCAAUGAU 933 4607-4625 AD-71919 A-144397 AAUGAAACAAAUUCAAGGU 620 4626-4644 A-144398 ACCUUGAAUUUGUUUCAUU 934 4626-4644 AD-71920 A-144399 AGGUUAAUUGGAUCUGAUU 621 4641-4659 A-144400 AAUCAGAUCCAAUUAACCU 935 4641-4659 AD-71921 A-144401 UUUGUGAAGCUGCAUAAAG 622 4659-4677 A-144402 CUUUAUGCAGCUUCACAAA 936 4659-4677 AD-71922 A-144403 AGCAAGAUUACUCUAUAAU 623 4676-4694 A-144404 AUUAUAGAGUAAUCUUGCU 937 4676-4694 AD-71923 A-144405 UACAAAAAUCCAACCAACU 624 4694-4712 A-144406 AGUUGGUUGGAUUUUUGUA 938 4694-4712 AD-71924 A-144407 ACUCAAUUAUUGAGCACGU 625 4710-4728 A-144408 ACGUGCUCAAUAAUUGAGU 939 4710-4728 AD-71925 A-144409 UACAAUGUUCUAGAUUUCU 626 4728-4746 A-144410 AGAAAUCUAGAACAUUGUA 940 4728-4746 AD-71926 A-144411 UUCUUUCCCUUCCUCUUUA 627 4743-4761 A-144412 UAAAGAGGAAGGGAAAGAA 941 4743-4761 AD-71927 A-144413 GAAGAGAAUAUUUGUAUUA 628 4761-4779 A-144414 UAAUACAAAUAUUCUCUUC 942 4761-4779 AD-71928 A-144415 UUCCAAAUACUCUUUGAGU 629 4777-4795 A-144416 ACUCAAAGAGUAUUUGGAA 943 4777-4795 AD-71929 A-144417 UAUUUACAAAAAAGAUUAU 630 4795-4813 A-144418 AUAAUCUUUUUUGUAAAUA 944 4795-4813 AD-72020 A-144419 UAUGUUUAAUCUUUACAUU 631 4811-4829 A-144420 AAUGUAAAGAUUAAACAUA 945 4811-4829 AD-72021 A-144421 UUUGAAGCCAAAGUAAUUU 632 4828-4846 A-144422 AAAUUACUUUGGCUUCAAA 946 4828-4846 AD-72022 A-144423 UUCCACCUAGAAAUGAUGA 633 4845-4863 A-144424 UCAUCAUUUCUAGGUGGAA 947 4845-4863 AD-72023 A-144425 UAUCAGUCCUGGCAUGGUA 634 4864-4882 A-144426 UACCAUGCCAGGACUGAUA 948 4864-4882 AD-72024 A-144427 UGGCUCACCCCUAUAAUCA 635 4881-4899 A-144428 UGAUUAUAGGGGUGAGCCA 949 4881-4899 AD-72025 A-144429 AUCCCAGCACUUUGGGAGA 636 4896-4914 A-144430 UCUCCCAAAGUGCUGGGAU 950 4896-4914 AD-72026 A-144431 CUAAGGCAGGAGAAUUGCU 637 4915-4933 A-144432 AGCAAUUCUCCUGCCUUAG 951 4915-4933 AD-72027 A-144433 UGCUUGAGCCCAGCAGUUU 638 4930-4948 A-144434 AAACUGCUGGGCUCAAGCA 952 4930-4948 AD-72028 A-144435 UUGAGACCAGCCUGGGCAA 639 4947-4965 A-144436 UUGCCCAGGCUGGUCUCAA 953 4947-4965 AD-72029 A-144437 ACAUAGAGAGCUCCUGUCU 640 4965-4983 A-144438 AGACAGGAGCUCUCUAUGU 954 4965-4983 AD-72030 A-144439 UCUUUAAAAAAAAUUUUUU 641 4981-4999 A-144440 AAAAAAUUUUUUUUAAAGA 955 4981-4999 AD-72031 A-144441 UUAAUUAGUUGGUCUUGAU 642 4999-5017 A-144442 AUCAAGACCAACUAAUUAA 956 4999-5017 AD-72032 A-144443 UAGUGCAUGCCUGUAGUCA 643 5017-5035 A-144444 UGACUACAGGCAUGCACUA 957 5017-5035 AD-72033 A-144445 CCCAACUACUUGAAAGGCU 644 5034-5052 A-144446 AGCCUUUCAAGUAGUUGGG 958 5034-5052 AD-72034 A-144447 CUGAGGUGGAGAGAUCAUU 645 5051-5069 A-144448 AAUGAUCUCUCCACCUCAG 959 5051-5069 AD-72035 A-144449 UUUGAGCUCAGGAGGUUGA 646 5068-5086 A-144450 UCAACCUCCUGAGCUCAAA 960 5068-5086 AD-72036 A-144451 UUGAGGCUGCAGUGAGCUA 647 5083-5101 A-144452 UAGCUCACUGCAGCCUCAA 961 5083-5101 AD-72037 A-144455 CUCCUGCCUGAGCGACUGA 648 5118-5136 A-144456 UCAGUCGCUCAGGCAGGAG 962 5118-5136 AD-72038 A-144457 UGAGCAAGAUCUUGUCUCU 649 5134-5152 A-144458 AGAGACAAGAUCUUGCUCA 963 5134-5152 AD-72039 A-144459 UGAAGAAAAAAAAAGAAAU 650 5152-5170 A-144460 AUUUCUUUUUUUUUCUUCA 964 5152-5170 AD-72040 A-144461 UAAAAAUGCUGCUAUCAAA 651 5170-5188 A-144462 UUUGAUAGCAGCAUUUUUA 965 5170-5188 AD-72041 A-144463 AAAAUCAAGCCCAACCAGA 652 5186-5204 A-144464 UCUGGUUGGGCUUGAUUUU 966 5186-5204 AD-72042 A-144465 AGAGGUAGAAGAGCCAAGA 653 5202-5220 A-144466 UCUUGGCUCUUCUACCUCU 967 5202-5220 AD-72043 A-144467 AAGCCUGGGUUCUCAUCCU 654 5220-5238 A-144468 AGGAUGAGAACCCAGGCUU 968 5220-5238 AD-72044 A-144469 CUAGCUCUGUCUCUUCUGU 655 5237-5255 A-144470 ACAGAAGAGACAGAGCUAG 969 5237-5255 AD-72045 A-144473 UUGGACUGUCAAUUCCCCU 656 5272-5290 A-144474 AGGGGAAUUGACAGUCCAA 970 5272-5290 AD-72046 A-144475 CCUUCCUGUGAUCCAUUUU 657 5288-5306 A-144476 AAAAUGGAUCACAGGAAGG 971 5288-5306 AD-72047 A-144481 UCUCACGUCUUCUGCUUUA 658 5339-5357 A-144482 UAAAGCAGAAGACGUGAGA 972 5339-5357 AD-72048 A-144485 UAUGACCUGAAAACUCCAA 659 5372-5390 A-144486 UUGGAGUUUUCAGGUCAUA 973 5372-5390 AD-72049 A-144487 UUACAUAAAGGAUCUGCAA 660 5391-5409 A-144488 UUGCAGAUCCUUUAUGUAA 974 5391-5409 AD-72050 A-144489 CAGCUAUCUAAGGCUUGGU 661 5407-5425 A-144490 ACCAAGCCUUAGAUAGCUG 975 5407-5425 AD-72051 A-144493 AUGAUACCUGGGUCUAAUA 662 5440-5458 A-144494 UAUUAGACCCAGGUAUCAU 976 5440-5458 AD-72052 A-144495 AACUCUGCUGAGAUCACCU 663 5459-5477 A-144496 AGGUGAUCUCAGCAGAGUU 977 5459-5477 AD-72053 A-144497 ACCUCAAGUUUCUGCGGUU 664 5474-5492 A-144498 AACCGCAGAAACUUGAGGU 978 5474-5492 AD-72054 A-144499 UUGGUAAAGAGAACAAGGA 665 5491-5509 A-144500 UCCUUGUUCUCUUUACCAA 979 5491-5509 AD-72055 A-144501 AAGAACAAACAUCCCUUUU 666 5510-5528 A-144502 AAAAGGGAUGUUUGUUCUU 980 5510-5528 AD-72056 A-144503 UUUUAUUGCUCCAAAUGGU 667 5525-5543 A-144504 ACCAUUUGGAGCAAUAAAA 981 5525-5543 AD-72057 A-144505 GAUUUAAUCCCUACAUGGU 668 5544-5562 A-144506 ACCAUGUAGGGAUUAAAUC 982 5544-5562 AD-72058 A-144507 GGUGCUGGGUGGACAAUGU 669 5560-5578 A-144508 ACAUUGUCCACCCAGCACC 983 5560-5578 AD-72059 A-144509 UGUCACUGUCACAUGCCUU 670 5578-5596 A-144510 AAGGCAUGUGACAGUGACA 984 5578-5596 AD-72060 A-144511 UUCACUGUAUAAAUCCAAA 671 5595-5613 A-144512 UUUGGAUUUAUACAGUGAA 985 5595-5613 AD-72061 A-144513 ACCUUCUGCCAGAGAGAAU 672 5612-5630 A-144514 AUUCUCUCUGGCAGAAGGU 986 5612-5630 AD-72062 A-144517 CAUGGAGGGAGGAUAGUGA 673 5644-5662 A-144518 UCACUAUCCUCCCUCCAUG 987 5644-5662 AD-72063 A-144519 AAAUGAUAUAGUUGGACUA 674 5663-5681 A-144520 UAGUCCAACUAUAUCAUUU 988 5663-5681 AD-72064 A-144521 ACUGGUGCUUGAUGUCACU 675 5678-5696 A-144522 AGUGACAUCAAGCACCAGU 989 5678-5696 AD-72065 A-144523 CUAAUAAAUGAAACUGUCA 676 5695-5713 A-144524 UGACAGUUUCAUUUAUUAG 990 5695-5713

TABLE 7 XDH Modified Sequences SEQ SEQ SEQ Duplex Oligo ID Oligo ID ID Name Name Sense OligoSeq NO Name Antisense OligoSeq NO mRNA target sequence NO AD-71930 A-143855 ACUACCUGCCAGUGUCUC  991 A-143856 AGAGACACUGGCAGGUAGUdTdT 1305 ACUACCUGCCAGUGUCUCU 1619 UdTdT AD-71931 A-143857 UUAGGAGUGAGGUACCUG  992 A-143858 UCAGGUACCUCACUCCUAAdTdT 1306 UUAGGAGUGAGGUACCUGG 1620 AdTdT AD-71932 A-143861 AACCUGUGACAAUGACAG  993 A-143862 UCUGUCAUUGUCACAGGUUdTdT 1307 AACCUGUGACAAUGACAGC 1621 AdTdT AD-71933 A-143863 GCAGACAAAUUGGUUUUC  994 A-143864 AGAAAACCAAUUUGUCUGCdTdT 1308 GCAGACAAAUUGGUUUUCU 1622 UdTdT AD-71934 A-143865 UUUGUGAAUGGCAGAAAG  995 A-143866 UCUUUCUGCCAUUCACAAAdTdT 1309 UUUGUGAAUGGCAGAAAGG 1623 AdTdT AD-71935 A-143867 AAGGUGGUGGAGAAAAAU  996 A-143868 UAUUUUUCUCCACCACCUUdTdT 1310 AAGGUGGUGGAGAAAAAUG 1624 AdTdT AD-71936 A-143871 CCUUUUGGCCUACCUGAG  997 A-143872 UCUCAGGUAGGCCAAAAGGdTdT 1311 CCUUUUGGCCUACCUGAGA 1625 AdTdT AD-71937 A-143873 AAGAAAGUUGGGGCUGAG  998 A-143874 ACUCAGCCCCAACUUUCUUdTdT 1312 AAGAAAGUUGGGGCUGAGU 1626 UdTdT AD-71938 A-143875 AGUGGAACCAAGCUCGGC  999 A-143876 AGCCGAGCUUGGUUCCACUdTdT 1313 AGUGGAACCAAGCUCGGCU 1627 UdTdT AD-71939 A-143877 CUGUGGAGAGGGGGGCUG 1000 A-143878 UCAGCCCCCCUCUCCACAGdTdT 1314 CUGUGGAGAGGGGGGCUGC 1628 AdTdT AD-71940 A-143879 CGGGGCUUGCACAGUGAU 1001 A-143880 UAUCACUGUGCAAGCCCCGdTdT 1315 CGGGGCUUGCACAGUGAUG 1629 AdTdT AD-71941 A-143881 AUGCUCUCCAAGUAUGAU 1002 A-143882 UAUCAUACUUGGAGAGCAUdTdT 1316 AUGCUCUCCAAGUAUGAUC 1630 AdTdT AD-71942 A-143885 UCGUCCACUUUUCUGCCA 1003 A-143886 UUGGCAGAAAAGUGGACGAdTdT 1317 UCGUCCACUUUUCUGCCAA 1631 AdTdT AD-71943 A-143887 AUGCCUGCCUGGCCCCCA 1004 A-143888 AUGGGGGCCAGGCAGGCAUdTdT 1318 AUGCCUGCCUGGCCCCCAU 1632 UdTdT AD-71944 A-143889 AUCUGCUCCUUGCACCAU 1005 A-143890 UAUGGUGCAAGGAGCAGAUdTdT 1319 AUCUGCUCCUUGCACCAUG 1633 AdTdT AD-71945 A-143891 UGUUGCAGUGACAACUGU 1006 A-143892 UACAGUUGUCACUGCAACAdTdT 1320 UGUUGCAGUGACAACUGUG 1634 AdTdT AD-71946 A-143893 UGGAAGGAAUAGGAAGCA 1007 A-143894 UUGCUUCCUAUUCCUUCCAdTdT 1321 UGGAAGGAAUAGGAAGCAC 1635 AdTdT AD-71947 A-143895 CACCAAGACGAGGCUGCA 1008 A-143896 AUGCAGCCUCGUCUUGGUGdTdT 1322 CACCAAGACGAGGCUGCAU 1636 UdTdT AD-71948 A-143897 UCCUGUGCAGGAGAGAAU 1009 A-143898 AAUUCUCUCCUGCACAGGAdTdT 1323 UCCUGUGCAGGAGAGAAUU 1637 UdTdT AD-71949 A-143899 AUUGCCAAAAGCCACGGC 1010 A-143900 AGCCGUGGCUUUUGGCAAUdTdT 1324 AUUGCCAAAAGCCACGGCU 1638 UdTdT AD-71950 A-143901 UCCCAGUGCGGGUUCUGC 1011 A-143902 UGCAGAACCCGCACUGGGAdTdT 1325 UCCCAGUGCGGGUUCUGCA 1639 AdTdT AD-71951 A-143903 UGCACCCCUGGCAUCGUC 1012 A-143904 UGACGAUGCCAGGGGUGCAdTdT 1326 UGCACCCCUGGCAUCGUCA 1640 AdTdT AD-71952 A-143905 UGAGUAUGUACACACUGC 1013 A-143906 AGCAGUGUGUACAUACUCAdTdT 1327 UGAGUAUGUACACACUGCU 1641 UdTdT AD-71953 A-143907 UGCUCCGGAAUCAGCCCG 1014 A-143908 UCGGGCUGAUUCCGGAGCAdTdT 1328 UGCUCCGGAAUCAGCCCGA 1642 AdTdT AD-71954 A-143909 AGCCCACCAUGGAGGAGA 1015 A-143910 AUCUCCUCCAUGGUGGGCUdTdT 1329 AGCCCACCAUGGAGGAGAU 1643 UdTdT AD-71955 A-143911 UUGAGAAUGCCUUCCAAG 1016 A-143912 UCUUGGAAGGCAUUCUCAAdTdT 1330 UUGAGAAUGCCUUCCAAGG 1644 AdTdT AD-71956 A-143913 AAGGAAAUCUGUGCCGCU 1017 A-143914 UAGCGGCACAGAUUUCCUUdTdT 1331 AAGGAAAUCUGUGCCGCUG 1645 AdTdT AD-71957 A-143915 CACAGGCUACAGACCCAU 1018 A-143916 UAUGGGUCUGUAGCCUGUGdTdT 1332 CACAGGCUACAGACCCAUC 1646 AdTdT AD-71958 A-143917 CAUCCUCCAGGGCUUCCG 1019 A-143918 UCGGAAGCCCUGGAGGAUGdTdT 1333 CAUCCUCCAGGGCUUCCGG 1647 AdTdT AD-71959 A-143919 ACCUUUGCCAGGGAUGGU 1020 A-143920 UACCAUCCCUGGCAAAGGUdTdT 1334 ACCUUUGCCAGGGAUGGUG 1648 AdTdT AD-71960 A-143921 UGGAUGCUGUGGAGGAGA 1021 A-143922 AUCUCCUCCACAGCAUCCAdTdT 1335 UGGAUGCUGUGGAGGAGAU 1649 UdTdT AD-71961 A-143923 GAUGGGAAUAAUCCAAAU 1022 A-143924 AAUUUGGAUUAUUCCCAUCdTdT 1336 GAUGGGAAUAAUCCAAAUU 1650 UdTdT AD-71962 A-143927 AGAAAGACCACUCAGUCA 1023 A-143928 UUGACUGAGUGGUCUUUCUdTdT 1337 AGAAAGACCACUCAGUCAG 1651 AdTdT AD-71963 A-143929 AGCCUCUCGCCAUCUUUA 1024 A-143930 AUAAAGAUGGCGAGAGGCUdTdT 1338 AGCCUCUCGCCAUCUUUAU 1652 UdTdT AD-71964 A-143931 UAUUCAAACCAGAGGAGU 1025 A-143932 AACUCCUCUGGUUUGAAUAdTdT 1339 UAUUCAAACCAGAGGAGUU 1653 UdTdT AD-71965 A-143933 UUCACGCCCCUGGAUCCA 1026 A-143934 UUGGAUCCAGGGGCGUGAAdTdT 1340 UUCACGCCCCUGGAUCCAA 1654 AdTdT AD-71966 A-143935 AACCCAGGAGCCCAUUUU 1027 A-143936 AAAAAUGGGCUCCUGGGUUdTdT 1341 AACCCAGGAGCCCAUUUUU 1655 UdTdT AD-71967 A-143937 UUCCCCCAGAGUUGCUGA 1028 A-143938 UUCAGCAACUCUGGGGGAAdTdT 1342 UUCCCCCAGAGUUGCUGAG 1656 AdTdT AD-71968 A-143939 AGGCUGAAAGACACUCCU 1029 A-143940 UAGGAGUGUCUUUCAGCCUdTdT 1343 AGGCUGAAAGACACUCCUC 1657 AdTdT AD-71969 A-143941 UCGGAAGCAGCUGCGAUU 1030 A-143942 AAAUCGCAGCUGCUUCCGAdTdT 1344 UCGGAAGCAGCUGCGAUUU 1658 UdTdT AD-71970 A-143943 UUGAAGGGGAGCGUGUGA 1031 A-143944 UUCACACGCUCCCCUUCAAdTdT 1345 UUGAAGGGGAGCGUGUGAC 1659 AdTdT AD-71971 A-143945 CGUGGAUACAGGCCUCAA 1032 A-143946 UUUGAGGCCUGUAUCCACGdTdT 1346 CGUGGAUACAGGCCUCAAC 1660 AdTdT AD-71972 A-143947 AACCCUCAAGGAGCUGCU 1033 A-143948 UAGCAGCUCCUUGAGGGUUdTdT 1347 AACCCUCAAGGAGCUGCUG 1661 AdTdT AD-71973 A-143949 UGGACCUCAAGGCUCAGC 1034 A-143950 UGCUGAGCCUUGAGGUCCAdTdT 1348 UGGACCUCAAGGCUCAGCA 1662 AdTdT AD-71974 A-143951 ACCCUGACGCCAAGCUGG 1035 A-143952 ACCAGCUUGGCGUCAGGGUdTdT 1349 ACCCUGACGCCAAGCUGGU 1663 UdTdT AD-71975 A-143953 UCGUGGGGAACACGGAGA 1036 A-143954 AUCUCCGUGUUCCCCACGAdTdT 1350 UCGUGGGGAACACGGAGAU 1664 UdTdT AD-71976 A-143955 AUUGGCAUUGAGAUGAAG 1037 A-143956 ACUUCAUCUCAAUGCCAAUdTdT 1351 AUUGGCAUUGAGAUGAAGU 1665 UdTdT AD-71977 A-143957 AAGUUCAAGAAUAUGCUG 1038 A-143958 ACAGCAUAUUCUUGAACUUdTdT 1352 AAGUUCAAGAAUAUGCUGU 1666 UdTdT AD-71978 A-143959 UUUCCUAUGAUUGUCUGC 1039 A-143960 UGCAGACAAUCAUAGGAAAdTdT 1353 UUUCCUAUGAUUGUCUGCC 1667 AdTdT AD-71979 A-143961 CCCAGCCUGGAUCCCUGA 1040 A-143962 UUCAGGGAUCCAGGCUGGGdTdT 1354 CCCAGCCUGGAUCCCUGAG 1668 AdTdT AD-71980 A-143963 AGCUGAAUUCGGUAGAAC 1041 A-143964 UGUUCUACCGAAUUCAGCUdTdT 1355 AGCUGAAUUCGGUAGAACA 1669 AdTdT AD-71981 A-143965 CAUGGACCCGACGGUAUC 1042 A-143966 AGAUACCGUCGGGUCCAUGdTdT 1356 CAUGGACCCGACGGUAUCU 1670 UdTdT AD-71982 A-143967 UCUCCUUUGGAGCUGCUU 1043 A-143968 UAAGCAGCUCCAAAGGAGAdTdT 1357 UCUCCUUUGGAGCUGCUUG 1671 AdTdT AD-71983 A-143969 UGCCCCCUGAGCAUUGUG 1044 A-143970 UCACAAUGCUCAGGGGGCAdTdT 1358 UGCCCCCUGAGCAUUGUGG 1672 AdTdT AD-71984 A-143971 AAAAAACCCUGGUGGAUG 1045 A-143972 UCAUCCACCAGGGUUUUUUdTdT 1359 AAAAAACCCUGGUGGAUGC 1673 AdTdT AD-71985 A-143973 UGCUGUUGCUAAGCUUCC 1046 A-143974 AGGAAGCUUAGCAACAGCAdTdT 1360 UGCUGUUGCUAAGCUUCCU 1674 UdTdT AD-71986 A-143975 CCUGCCCAAAAGACAGAG 1047 A-143976 UCUCUGUCUUUUGGGCAGGdTdT 1361 CCUGCCCAAAAGACAGAGG 1675 AdTdT AD-71987 A-143977 UGUUCAGAGGGGUCCUGG 1048 A-143978 UCCAGGACCCCUCUGAACAdTdT 1362 UGUUCAGAGGGGUCCUGGA 1676 AdTdT AD-71988 A-143979 UGGAGCAGCUGCGCUGGU 1049 A-143980 AACCAGCGCAGCUGCUCCAdTdT 1363 UGGAGCAGCUGCGCUGGUU 1677 UdTdT AD-71989 A-143981 UUUGCUGGGAAGCAAGUC 1050 A-143982 UGACUUGCUUCCCAGCAAAdTdT 1364 UUUGCUGGGAAGCAAGUCA 1678 AdTdT AD-71990 A-143983 CAAGUCUGUGGCGUCCGU 1051 A-143984 AACGGACGCCACAGACUUGdTdT 1365 CAAGUCUGUGGCGUCCGUU 1679 UdTdT AD-71991 A-143985 UGGAGGGAACAUCAUCAC 1052 A-143986 AGUGAUGAUGUUCCCUCCAdTdT 1366 UGGAGGGAACAUCAUCACU 1680 UdTdT AD-71992 A-143987 UGCCAGCCCCAUCUCCGA 1053 A-143988 UUCGGAGAUGGGGCUGGCAdTdT 1367 UGCCAGCCCCAUCUCCGAC 1681 AdTdT AD-71993 A-143989 ACCUCAACCCCGUGUUCA 1054 A-143990 AUGAACACGGGGUUGAGGUdTdT 1368 ACCUCAACCCCGUGUUCAU 1682 UdTdT AD-71994 A-143991 UCAUGGCCAGUGGGGCCA 1055 A-143992 UUGGCCCCACUGGCCAUGAdTdT 1369 UCAUGGCCAGUGGGGCCAA 1683 AdTdT AD-71995 A-143993 AAGCUGACACUUGUGUCC 1056 A-143994 UGGACACAAGUGUCAGCUUdTdT 1370 AAGCUGACACUUGUGUCCA 1684 AdTdT AD-71996 A-143995 CAGAGGCACCAGGAGAAC 1057 A-143996 AGUUCUCCUGGUGCCUCUGdTdT 1371 CAGAGGCACCAGGAGAACU 1685 UdTdT AD-71997 A-143997 UGUCCAGAUGGACCACAC 1058 A-143998 UGUGUGGUCCAUCUGGACAdTdT 1372 UGUCCAGAUGGACCACACC 1686 AdTdT AD-71998 A-143999 CCUUCUUCCCUGGCUACA 1059 A-144000 UUGUAGCCAGGGAAGAAGGdTdT 1373 CCUUCUUCCCUGGCUACAG 1687 AdTdT AD-71999 A-144001 AGAAAGACCCUGCUGAGC 1060 A-144002 UGCUCAGCAGGGUCUUUCUdTdT 1374 AGAAAGACCCUGCUGAGCC 1688 AdTdT AD-72000 A-144003 CCGGAGGAGAUACUGCUC 1061 A-144004 AGAGCAGUAUCUCCUCCGGdTdT 1375 CCGGAGGAGAUACUGCUCU 1689 UdTdT AD-72001 A-144005 CUCUCCAUAGAGAUCCCC 1062 A-144006 AGGGGAUCUCUAUGGAGAGdTdT 1376 CUCUCCAUAGAGAUCCCCU 1690 UdTdT AD-72002 A-144007 UACAGCAGGGAGGGGGAG 1063 A-144008 ACUCCCCCUCCCUGCUGUAdTdT 1377 UACAGCAGGGAGGGGGAGU 1691 UdTdT AD-72003 A-144009 AGUAUUUCUCAGCAUUCA 1064 A-144010 UUGAAUGCUGAGAAAUACUdTdT 1378 AGUAUUUCUCAGCAUUCAA 1692 AdTdT AD-72004 A-144011 AAGCAGGCCUCCCGGAGA 1065 A-144012 UUCUCCGGGAGGCCUGCUUdTdT 1379 AAGCAGGCCUCCCGGAGAG 1693 AdTdT AD-72005 A-144013 AAGAUGACAUUGCCAAGG 1066 A-144014 ACCUUGGCAAUGUCAUCUUdTdT 1380 AAGAUGACAUUGCCAAGGU 1694 UdTdT AD-72006 A-144015 GGUAACCAGUGGCAUGAG 1067 A-144016 UCUCAUGCCACUGGUUACCdTdT 1381 GGUAACCAGUGGCAUGAGA 1695 AdTdT AD-72007 A-144017 AGAGUUUUAUUCAAGCCA 1068 A-144018 UUGGCUUGAAUAAAACUCUdTdT 1382 AGAGUUUUAUUCAAGCCAG 1696 AdTdT AD-72008 A-144019 AGGAACCACAGAGGUACA 1069 A-144020 UUGUACCUCUGUGGUUCCUdTdT 1383 AGGAACCACAGAGGUACAG 1697 AdTdT AD-72009 A-144021 AGGAGCUGGCCCUUUGCU 1070 A-144022 UAGCAAAGGGCCAGCUCCUdTdT 1384 AGGAGCUGGCCCUUUGCUA 1698 AdTdT AD-72010 A-144023 UAUGGUGGAAUGGCCAAC 1071 A-144024 UGUUGGCCAUUCCACCAUAdTdT 1385 UAUGGUGGAAUGGCCAACA 1699 AdTdT AD-72011 A-144025 AGAACCAUCUCAGCCCUC 1072 A-144026 UGAGGGCUGAGAUGGUUCUdTdT 1386 AGAACCAUCUCAGCCCUCA 1700 AdTdT AD-72012 A-144027 AAGACCACUCAGAGGCAG 1073 A-144028 UCUGCCUCUGAGUGGUCUUdTdT 1387 AAGACCACUCAGAGGCAGC 1701 AdTdT AD-72013 A-144029 CAGCUUUCCAAGCUCUGG 1074 A-144030 UCCAGAGCUUGGAAAGCUGdTdT 1388 CAGCUUUCCAAGCUCUGGA 1702 AdTdT AD-72014 A-144031 AGGAGGAGCUGCUGCAGG 1075 A-144032 UCCUGCAGCAGCUCCUCCUdTdT 1389 AGGAGGAGCUGCUGCAGGA 1703 AdTdT AD-72015 A-144033 AGGACGUGUGUGCAGGAC 1076 A-144034 AGUCCUGCACACACGUCCUdTdT 1390 AGGACGUGUGUGCAGGACU 1704 UdTdT AD-72016 A-144035 UGGCAGAGGAGCUGCAUC 1077 A-144036 AGAUGCAGCUCCUCUGCCAdTdT 1391 UGGCAGAGGAGCUGCAUCU 1705 UdTdT AD-72017 A-144037 UCUGCCUCCCGAUGCCCC 1078 A-144038 AGGGGCAUCGGGAGGCAGAdTdT 1392 UCUGCCUCCCGAUGCCCCU 1706 UdTdT AD-72018 A-144039 GGUGGCAUGGUGGACUUC 1079 A-144040 UGAAGUCCACCAUGCCACCdTdT 1393 GGUGGCAUGGUGGACUUCC 1707 AdTdT AD-72019 A-144041 UUCCGGUGCACCCUCACC 1080 A-144042 UGGUGAGGGUGCACCGGAAdTdT 1394 UUCCGGUGCACCCUCACCC 1708 AdTdT AD-71752 A-144043 UCAGCUUCUUCUUCAAGU 1081 A-144044 AACUUGAAGAAGAAGCUGAdTdT 1395 UCAGCUUCUUCUUCAAGUU 1709 UdTdT AD-71753 A-144045 UUCUACCUGACAGUCCUU 1082 A-144046 UAAGGACUGUCAGGUAGAAdTdT 1396 UUCUACCUGACAGUCCUUC 1710 AdTdT AD-71754 A-144049 GAGAACCUGGAAGACAAG 1083 A-144050 ACUUGUCUUCCAGGUUCUCdTdT 1397 GAGAACCUGGAAGACAAGU 1711 UdTdT AD-71755 A-144051 UGUGGUAAACUGGACCCC 1084 A-144052 UGGGGUCCAGUUUACCACAdTdT 1398 UGUGGUAAACUGGACCCCA 1712 AdTdT AD-71756 A-144053 CACUUUCGCCAGUGCAAC 1085 A-144054 AGUUGCACUGGCGAAAGUGdTdT 1399 CACUUUCGCCAGUGCAACU 1713 UdTdT AD-71757 A-144055 ACUUUACUGUUUCAGAAA 1086 A-144056 CUUUCUGAAACAGUAAAGUdTdT 1400 ACUUUACUGUUUCAGAAAG 1714 GdTdT AD-71758 A-144057 AAGACCCCCCAGCCGAUG 1087 A-144058 ACAUCGGCUGGGGGGUCUUdTdT 1401 AAGACCCCCCAGCCGAUGU 1715 UdTdT AD-71759 A-144059 UCCAGCUCUUCCAAGAGG 1088 A-144060 ACCUCUUGGAAGAGCUGGAdTdT 1402 UCCAGCUCUUCCAAGAGGU 1716 UdTdT AD-71760 A-144061 UGCCCAAGGGUCAGUCUG 1089 A-144062 UCAGACUGACCCUUGGGCAdTdT 1403 UGCCCAAGGGUCAGUCUGA 1717 AdTdT AD-71761 A-144063 GAGGAGGACAUGGUGGGC 1090 A-144064 UGCCCACCAUGUCCUCCUCdTdT 1404 GAGGAGGACAUGGUGGGCC 1718 AdTdT AD-71762 A-144065 GCCGGCCCCUGCCCCACC 1091 A-144066 AGGUGGGGCAGGGGCCGGCdTdT 1405 GCCGGCCCCUGCCCCACCU 1719 UdTdT AD-71763 A-144067 CCUGGCAGCGGACAUGCA 1092 A-144068 UUGCAUGUCCGCUGCCAGGdTdT 1406 CCUGGCAGCGGACAUGCAG 1720 AdTdT AD-71764 A-144069 AGGCCUCUGGUGAGGCCG 1093 A-144070 ACGGCCUCACCAGAGGCCUdTdT 1407 AGGCCUCUGGUGAGGCCGU 1721 UdTdT AD-71765 A-144071 UGUACUGUGACGACAUUC 1094 A-144072 UGAAUGUCGUCACAGUACAdTdT 1408 UGUACUGUGACGACAUUCC 1722 AdTdT AD-71766 A-144073 CUCGCUACGAGAAUGAGC 1095 A-144074 AGCUCAUUCUCGUAGCGAGdTdT 1409 CUCGCUACGAGAAUGAGCU 1723 UdTdT AD-71767 A-144075 CUGUCUCUCCGGCUGGUC 1096 A-144076 UGACCAGCCGGAGAGACAGdTdT 1410 CUGUCUCUCCGGCUGGUCA 1724 AdTdT AD-71768 A-144079 CCACGCCAAGAUCAAGUC 1097 A-144080 UGACUUGAUCUUGGCGUGGdTdT 1411 CCACGCCAAGAUCAAGUCC 1725 AdTdT AD-71769 A-144081 CAUAGAUACAUCAGAAGC 1098 A-144082 AGCUUCUGAUGUAUCUAUGdTdT 1412 CAUAGAUACAUCAGAAGCU 1726 UdTdT AD-71770 A-144085 UUUGUUUGUUUCAUUUCC 1099 A-144086 UGGAAAUGAAACAAACAAAdTdT 1413 UUUGUUUGUUUCAUUUCCG 1727 AdTdT AD-71771 A-144087 GCUGAUGAUGUUCCUGGG 1100 A-144088 UCCCAGGAACAUCAUCAGCdTdT 1414 GCUGAUGAUGUUCCUGGGA 1728 AdTdT AD-71772 A-144093 CAGUCUUUGCGAAGGAUA 1101 A-144094 UUAUCCUUCGCAAAGACUGdTdT 1415 CAGUCUUUGCGAAGGAUAA 1729 AdTdT AD-71773 A-144095 AAGGUUACUUGUGUUGGG 1102 A-144096 UCCCAACACAAGUAACCUUdTdT 1416 AAGGUUACUUGUGUUGGGC 1730 AdTdT AD-71774 A-144097 CAUAUCAUUGGUGCUGUG 1103 A-144098 UCACAGCACCAAUGAUAUGdTdT 1417 CAUAUCAUUGGUGCUGUGG 1731 AdTdT AD-71775 A-144099 UGGUUGCUGACACCCCGG 1104 A-144100 UCCGGGGUGUCAGCAACCAdTdT 1418 UGGUUGCUGACACCCCGGA 1732 AdTdT AD-71776 A-144101 ACACACACAGAGAGCUGC 1105 A-144102 UGCAGCUCUCUGUGUGUGUdTdT 1419 ACACACACAGAGAGCUGCC 1733 AdTdT AD-71777 A-144103 GCCCAAGGGGUGAAAAUC 1106 A-144104 UGAUUUUCACCCCUUGGGCdTdT 1420 GCCCAAGGGGUGAAAAUCA 1734 AdTdT AD-71778 A-144105 UCACCUAUGAAGAACUAC 1107 A-144106 UGUAGUUCUUCAUAGGUGAdTdT 1421 UCACCUAUGAAGAACUACC 1735 AdTdT AD-71779 A-144109 GAGGAUGCUAUAAAGAAC 1108 A-144110 UGUUCUUUAUAGCAUCCUCdTdT 1422 GAGGAUGCUAUAAAGAACA 1736 AdTdT AD-71780 A-144111 CAACUCCUUUUAUGGACC 1109 A-144112 AGGUCCAUAAAAGGAGUUGdTdT 1423 CAACUCCUUUUAUGGACCU 1737 UdTdT AD-71781 A-144113 CCUGAGCUGAAGAUCGAG 1110 A-144114 UCUCGAUCUUCAGCUCAGGdTdT 1424 CCUGAGCUGAAGAUCGAGA 1738 AdTdT AD-71782 A-144115 AAAGGGGACCUAAAGAAG 1111 A-144116 UCUUCUUUAGGUCCCCUUUdTdT 1425 AAAGGGGACCUAAAGAAGG 1739 AdTdT AD-71783 A-144117 AGGGGUUUUCCGAAGCAG 1112 A-144118 UCUGCUUCGGAAAACCCCUdTdT 1426 AGGGGUUUUCCGAAGCAGA 1740 AdTdT AD-71784 A-144119 UAAUGUUGUGUCAGGGGA 1113 A-144120 UUCCCCUGACACAACAUUAdTdT 1427 UAAUGUUGUGUCAGGGGAG 1741 AdTdT AD-71785 A-144121 AGAUAUACAUCGGUGGCC 1114 A-144122 UGGCCACCGAUGUAUAUCUdTdT 1428 AGAUAUACAUCGGUGGCCA 1742 AdTdT AD-71786 A-144123 GCCAAGAGCACUUCUACC 1115 A-144124 AGGUAGAAGUGCUCUUGGCdTdT 1429 GCCAAGAGCACUUCUACCU 1743 UdTdT AD-71787 A-144125 GGAGACUCACUGCACCAU 1116 A-144126 AAUGGUGCAGUGAGUCUCCdTdT 1430 GGAGACUCACUGCACCAUU 1744 UdTdT AD-71788 A-144127 UUGCUGUUCCAAAAGGCG 1117 A-144128 UCGCCUUUUGGAACAGCAAdTdT 1431 UUGCUGUUCCAAAAGGCGA 1745 AdTdT AD-71789 A-144129 CGAGGCAGGGGAGAUGGA 1118 A-144130 UUCCAUCUCCCCUGCCUCGdTdT 1432 CGAGGCAGGGGAGAUGGAG 1746 AdTdT AD-71790 A-144131 AGCUCUUUGUGUCUACAC 1119 A-144132 UGUGUAGACACAAAGAGCUdTdT 1433 AGCUCUUUGUGUCUACACA 1747 AdTdT AD-71791 A-144133 CAGAACACCAUGAAGACC 1120 A-144134 UGGUCUUCAUGGUGUUCUGdTdT 1434 CAGAACACCAUGAAGACCC 1748 AdTdT AD-71792 A-144135 CAGAGCUUUGUUGCAAAA 1121 A-144136 UUUUUGCAACAAAGCUCUGdTdT 1435 CAGAGCUUUGUUGCAAAAA 1749 AdTdT AD-71793 A-144137 AAAAUGUUGGGGGUUCCA 1122 A-144138 UUGGAACCCCCAACAUUUUdTdT 1436 AAAAUGUUGGGGGUUCCAG 1750 AdTdT AD-71794 A-144139 AGCAAACCGGAUUGUGGU 1123 A-144140 AACCACAAUCCGGUUUGCUdTdT 1437 AGCAAACCGGAUUGUGGUU 1751 UdTdT AD-71795 A-144141 UUCGAGUGAAGAGAAUGG 1124 A-144142 UCCAUUCUCUUCACUCGAAdTdT 1438 UUCGAGUGAAGAGAAUGGG 1752 AdTdT AD-71796 A-144143 AGGAGGCUUUGGAGGCAA 1125 A-144144 UUUGCCUCCAAAGCCUCCUdTdT 1439 AGGAGGCUUUGGAGGCAAG 1753 AdTdT AD-71797 A-144145 AAGGAGACCCGGAGCACU 1126 A-144146 UAGUGCUCCGGGUCUCCUUdTdT 1440 AAGGAGACCCGGAGCACUG 1754 UdTdT AD-71798 A-144147 UGUGGUGUCCACGGCAGU 1127 A-144148 UACUGCCGUGGACACCACAdTdT 1441 UGUGGUGUCCACGGCAGUG 1755 AdTdT AD-71799 A-144149 UGGCCCUGGCUGCAUAUA 1128 A-144150 UUAUAUGCAGCCAGGGCCAdTdT 1442 UGGCCCUGGCUGCAUAUAA 1756 AdTdT AD-71800 A-144153 UGCGAUGCAUGCUGGACC 1129 A-144154 UGGUCCAGCAUGCAUCGCAdTdT 1443 UGCGAUGCAUGCUGGACCG 1757 AdTdT AD-71801 A-144155 CGUGAUGAGGACAUGCUG 1130 A-144156 UCAGCAUGUCCUCAUCACGdTdT 1444 CGUGAUGAGGACAUGCUGA 1758 AdTdT AD-71802 A-144157 UAACUGGUGGCAGACAUC 1131 A-144158 UGAUGUCUGCCACCAGUUAdTdT 1445 UAACUGGUGGCAGACAUCC 1759 AdTdT AD-71803 A-144159 UCCCUUCCUGGCCAGAUA 1132 A-144160 UUAUCUGGCCAGGAAGGGAdTdT 1446 UCCCUUCCUGGCCAGAUAC 1760 AdTdT AD-71804 A-144161 UACAAGGUUGGCUUCAUG 1133 A-144162 UCAUGAAGCCAACCUUGUAdTdT 1447 UACAAGGUUGGCUUCAUGA 1761 AdTdT AD-71805 A-144163 AGACUGGGACAGUUGUGG 1134 A-144164 UCCACAACUGUCCCAGUCUdTdT 1448 AGACUGGGACAGUUGUGGC 1762 AdTdT AD-71806 A-144165 GCUCUUGAGGUGGACCAC 1135 A-144166 AGUGGUCCACCUCAAGAGCdTdT 1449 GCUCUUGAGGUGGACCACU 1763 UdTdT AD-71807 A-144167 ACUUCAGCAAUGUGGGGA 1136 A-144168 UUCCCCACAUUGCUGAAGUdTdT 1450 ACUUCAGCAAUGUGGGGAA 1764 AdTdT AD-71808 A-144169 GAACACCCAGGAUCUCUC 1137 A-144170 AGAGAGAUCCUGGGUGUUCdTdT 1451 GAACACCCAGGAUCUCUCU 1765 UdTdT AD-71809 A-144171 CAGAGUAUUAUGGAACGA 1138 A-144172 UUCGUUCCAUAAUACUCUGdTdT 1452 CAGAGUAUUAUGGAACGAG 1766 AdTdT AD-71810 A-144173 AGCUUUAUUCCACAUGGA 1139 A-144174 UUCCAUGUGGAAUAAAGCUdTdT 1453 AGCUUUAUUCCACAUGGAC 1767 AdTdT AD-71811 A-144175 ACAACUGCUAUAAAAUCC 1140 A-144176 UGGAUUUUAUAGCAGUUGUdTdT 1454 ACAACUGCUAUAAAAUCCC 1768 AdTdT AD-71812 A-144177 UCCCCAACAUCCGGGGCA 1141 A-144178 UUGCCCCGGAUGUUGGGGAdTdT 1455 UCCCCAACAUCCGGGGCAC 1769 AdTdT AD-71813 A-144179 UGGGCGGCUGUGCAAAAC 1142 A-144180 UGUUUUGCACAGCCGCCCAdTdT 1456 UGGGCGGCUGUGCAAAACC 1770 AdTdT AD-71814 A-144181 AACCAACCUUCCCUCCAA 1143 A-144182 UUUGGAGGGAAGGUUGGUUdTdT 1457 AACCAACCUUCCCUCCAAC 1771 AdTdT AD-71815 A-144183 ACACGGCCUUCCGGGGCU 1144 A-144184 AAGCCCCGGAAGGCCGUGUdTdT 1458 ACACGGCCUUCCGGGGCUU 1772 UdTdT AD-71816 A-144185 UUGGGGGGCCCCAGGGGA 1145 A-144186 AUCCCCUGGGGCCCCCCAAdTdT 1459 UUGGGGGGCCCCAGGGGAU 1773 UdTdT AD-71817 A-144187 AUGCUCAUUGCCGAGUGC 1146 A-144188 AGCACUCGGCAAUGAGCAUdTdT 1460 AUGCUCAUUGCCGAGUGCU 1774 UdTdT AD-71818 A-144189 UGGAUGAGUGAAGUUGCA 1147 A-144190 UUGCAACUUCACUCAUCCAdTdT 1461 UGGAUGAGUGAAGUUGCAG 1775 AdTdT AD-71819 A-144191 AGUGACCUGUGGGAUGCC 1148 A-144192 AGGCAUCCCACAGGUCACUdTdT 1462 GUGACCUGUGGGAUGCCU 1776 UdTdT AD-71820 A-144193 CCUGCAGAGGAGGUGCGG 1149 A-144194 UCCGCACCUCCUCUGCAGGdTdT 1463 CCUGCAGAGGAGGUGCGGA 1777 AdTdT AD-71821 A-144195 AGAAAAAACCUGUACAAA 1150 A-144196 CUUUGUACAGGUUUUUUCUdTdT 1464 AGAAAAAACCUGUACAAAG 1778 GdTdT AD-71822 A-144197 AAAGAAGGGGACCUGACA 1151 A-144198 UUGUCAGGUCCCCUUCUUUdTdT 1465 AAAGAAGGGGACCUGACAC 1779 AdTdT AD-71823 A-144199 ACACUUCAACCAGAAGCU 1152 A-144200 AAGCUUCUGGUUGAAGUGUdTdT 1466 ACACUUCAACCAGAAGCUU 1780 UdTdT AD-71824 A-144201 UUGAGGGUUUCACCUUGC 1153 A-144202 UGCAAGGUGAAACCCUCAAdTdT 1467 UUGAGGGUUUCACCUUGCC 1781 AdTdT AD-71825 A-144203 CAGAUGCUGGGAAGAAUG 1154 A-144204 UCAUUCUUCCCAGCAUCUGdTdT 1468 CAGAUGCUGGGAAGAAUGC 1782 AdTdT AD-71826 A-144205 UGCCUAGCAAGCUCUCAG 1155 A-144206 ACUGAGAGCUUGCUAGGCAdTdT 1469 UGCCUAGCAAGCUCUCAGU 1783 UdTdT AD-71827 A-144207 UAUCAUGCUCGGAAGAGU 1156 A-144208 UACUCUUCCGAGCAUGAUAdTdT 1470 UAUCAUGCUCGGAAGAGUG 1784 AdTdT AD-71828 A-144209 AGUGAGGUUGACAAGUUC 1157 A-144210 UGAACUUGUCAACCUCACUdTdT 1471 AGUGAGGUUGACAAGUUCA 1785 AdTdT AD-71829 A-144211 AACAAGGAGAAUUGUUGG 1158 A-144212 UCCAACAAUUCUCCUUGUUdTdT 1472 AACAAGGAGAAUUGUUGGA 1786 AdTdT AD-71830 A-144213 AAAAAGAGAGGAUUGUGC 1159 A-144214 UGCACAAUCCUCUCUUUUUdTdT 1473 AAAAAGAGAGGAUUGUGCA 1787 AdTdT AD-71831 A-144215 CAUAAUUCCCACCAAGUU 1160 A-144216 AAACUUGGUGGGAAUUAUGdTdT 1474 CAUAAUUCCCACCAAGUUU 1788 UdTdT AD-71832 A-144217 UUUGGAAUAAGCUUUACA 1161 A-144218 UUGUAAAGCUUAUUCCAAAdTdT 1475 UUUGGAAUAAGCUUUACAG 1789 AdTdT AD-71833 A-144219 AGUUCCUUUUCUGAAUCA 1162 A-144220 UUGAUUCAGAAAAGGAACUdTdT 1476 AGUUCCUUUUCUGAAUCAG 1790 AdTdT AD-71834 A-144221 AGGCAGGAGCCCUACUUC 1163 A-144222 UGAAGUAGGGCUCCUGCCUdTdT 1477 AGGCAGGAGCCCUACUUCA 1791 AdTdT AD-71835 A-144223 CAUGUGUACACAGAUGGC 1164 A-144224 AGCCAUCUGUGUACACAUGdTdT 1478 CAUGUGUACACAGAUGGCU 1792 UdTdT AD-71836 A-144225 UCUGUGCUGCUGACCCAC 1165 A-144226 UGUGGGUCAGCAGCACAGAdTdT 1479 UCUGUGCUGCUGACCCACG 1793 AdTdT AD-71837 A-144229 GGCCAAGGCCUUCAUACC 1166 A-144230 UGGUAUGAAGGCCUUGGCCdTdT 1480 GGCCAAGGCCUUCAUACCA 1794 AdTdT AD-71838 A-144231 AAAAUGGUCCAGGUGGCC 1167 A-144232 UGGCCACCUGGACCAUUUUdTdT 1481 AAAAUGGUCCAGGUGGCCA 1795 AdTdT AD-71839 A-144233 GCCAGUAGAGCUCUGAAA 1168 A-144234 UUUUCAGAGCUCUACUGGCdTdT 1482 GCCAGUAGAGCUCUGAAAA 1796 AdTdT AD-71840 A-144235 AAUCCCCACCUCUAAGAU 1169 A-144236 AAUCUUAGAGGUGGGGAUUdTdT 1483 AAUCCCCACCUCUAAGAUU 1797 UdTdT AD-71841 A-144237 UAUAUCAGCGAGACAAGC 1170 A-144238 UGCUUGUCUCGCUGAUAUAdTdT 1484 UAUAUCAGCGAGACAAGCA 1798 AdTdT AD-71842 A-144239 AGCACUAACACUGUGCCC 1171 A-144240 UGGGCACAGUGUUAGUGCUdTdT 1485 AGCACUAACACUGUGCCCA 1799 AdTdT AD-71843 A-144241 CAACACCUCUCCCACGGC 1172 A-144242 AGCCGUGGGAGAGGUGUUGdTdT 1486 CAACACCUCUCCCACGGCU 1800 UdTdT AD-71844 A-144243 UGCCUCUGUCAGCGCUGA 1173 A-144244 UUCAGCGCUGACAGAGGCAdTdT 1487 UGCCUCUGUCAGCGCUGAC 1801 AdTdT AD-71845 A-144245 ACCUCAAUGGACAGGCCG 1174 A-144246 ACGGCCUGUCCAUUGAGGUdTdT 1488 ACCUCAAUGGACAGGCCGU 1802 UdTdT AD-71846 A-144247 GUCUAUGCGGCUUGUCAG 1175 A-144248 UCUGACAAGCCGCAUAGACdTdT 1489 GUCUAUGCGGCUUGUCAGA 1803 AdTdT AD-71847 A-144249 AGACCAUCUUGAAAAGGC 1176 A-144250 AGCCUUUUCAAGAUGGUCUdTdT 1490 AGACCAUCUUGAAAAGGCU 1804 UdTdT AD-71848 A-144251 UGGAACCCUACAAGAAGA 1177 A-144252 UUCUUCUUGUAGGGUUCCAdTdT 1491 UGGAACCCUACAAGAAGAA 1805 AdTdT AD-71849 A-144253 AAGAAUCCCAGUGGCUCC 1178 A-144254 AGGAGCCACUGGGAUUCUUdTdT 1492 AAGAAUCCCAGUGGCUCCU 1806 UdTdT AD-71850 A-144255 UGGGAAGACUGGGUCACA 1179 A-144256 UUGUGACCCAGUCUUCCCAdTdT 1493 UGGGAAGACUGGGUCACAG 1807 AdTdT AD-71851 A-144257 ACAGCUGCCUACAUGGAC 1180 A-144258 UGUCCAUGUAGGCAGCUGUdTdT 1494 ACAGCUGCCUACAUGGACA 1808 AdTdT AD-71852 A-144259 ACAGUGAGCUUGUCUGCC 1181 A-144260 UGGCAGACAAGCUCACUGUdTdT 1495 ACAGUGAGCUUGUCUGCCA 1809 AdTdT AD-71853 A-144261 ACUGGGUUUUAUAGAACA 1182 A-144262 UUGUUCUAUAAAACCCAGUdTdT 1496 ACUGGGUUUUAUAGAACAC 1810 AdTdT AD-71854 A-144263 ACCCAAUCUGGGCUACAG 1183 A-144264 UCUGUAGCCCAGAUUGGGUdTdT 1497 ACCCAAUCUGGGCUACAGC 1811 AdTdT AD-71855 A-144265 CAGCUUUGAGACUAACUC 1184 A-144266 UGAGUUAGUCUCAAAGCUGdTdT 1498 CAGCUUUGAGACUAACUCA 1812 AdTdT AD-71856 A-144267 GGGAACCCCUUCCACUAC 1185 A-144268 AGUAGUGGAAGGGGUUCCCdTdT 1499 GGGAACCCCUUCCACUACU 1813 UdTdT AD-71857 A-144269 CUUCAGCUAUGGGGUGGC 1186 A-144270 AGCCACCCCAUAGCUGAAGdTdT 1500 CUUCAGCUAUGGGGUGGCU 1814 UdTdT AD-71858 A-144271 CUUGCUCUGAAGUAGAAA 1187 A-144272 AUUUCUACUUCAGAGCAAGdTdT 1501 CUUGCUCUGAAGUAGAAAU 1815 AdTdT AD-71859 A-144273 AAAUCGACUGCCUAACAG 1188 A-144274 UCUGUUAGGCAGUCGAUUUdTdT 1502 AAAUCGACUGCCUAACAGG 1816 AdTdT AD-71860 A-144275 GAGAUCAUAAGAACCUCC 1189 A-144276 UGGAGGUUCUUAUGAUCUCdTdT 1503 GAGAUCAUAAGAACCUCCG 1817 AdTdT AD-71861 A-144277 GCACAGAUAUUGUCAUGG 1190 A-144278 UCCAUGACAAUAUCUGUGCdTdT 1504 GCACAGAUAUUGUCAUGGA 1818 AdTdT AD-71862 A-144279 UGGAUGUUGGCUCCAGUC 1191 A-144280 AGACUGGAGCCAACAUCCAdTdT 1505 UGGAUGUUGGCUCCAGUCU 1819 UdTdT AD-71863 A-144281 UAAACCCUGCCAUUGAUA 1192 A-144282 AUAUCAAUGGCAGGGUUUAdTdT 1506 UAAACCCUGCCAUUGAUAU 1820 UdTdT AD-71864 A-144283 UUGGACAGGUGGAAGGGG 1193 A-144284 UCCCCUUCCACCUGUCCAAdTdT 1507 UUGGACAGGUGGAAGGGGC 1821 AdTdT AD-71865 A-144285 GGGCAUUUGUCCAGGGCC 1194 A-144286 AGGCCCUGGACAAAUGCCCdTdT 1508 GGGCAUUUGUCCAGGGCCU 1822 UdTdT AD-71866 A-144287 UUGGCCUCUUCACCCUAG 1195 A-144288 UCUAGGGUGAAGAGGCCAAdTdT 1509 UUGGCCUCUUCACCCUAGA 1823 AdTdT AD-71867 A-144289 AGAGGAGCUACACUAUUC 1196 A-144290 UGAAUAGUGUAGCUCCUCUdTdT 1510 AGAGGAGCUACACUAUUCC 1824 AdTdT AD-71868 A-144291 CCCCGAGGGGAGCCUGCA 1197 A-144292 UUGCAGGCUCCCCUCGGGGdTdT 1511 CCCCGAGGGGAGCCUGCAC 1825 AdTdT AD-71869 A-144293 CACACCCGUGGCCCUAGC 1198 A-144294 UGCUAGGGCCACGGGUGUGdTdT 1512 CACACCCGUGGCCCUAGCA 1826 AdTdT AD-71870 A-144295 ACCUACAAGAUCCCGGCA 1199 A-144296 AUGCCGGGAUCUUGUAGGUdTdT 1513 ACCUACAAGAUCCCGGCAU 1827 UdTdT AD-71871 A-144297 UUUGGCAGCAUCCCCAUU 1200 A-144298 UAAUGGGGAUGCUGCCAAAdTdT 1514 UUUGGCAGCAUCCCCAUUG 1828 AdTdT AD-71872 A-144301 CCUGCUCCGCGACUGCCC 1201 A-144302 UGGGCAGUCGCGGAGCAGGdTdT 1515 CCUGCUCCGCGACUGCCCC 1829 AdTdT AD-71873 A-144303 CAACAAGAAGGCCAUCUA 1202 A-144304 AUAGAUGGCCUUCUUGUUGdTdT 1516 CAACAAGAAGGCCAUCUAU 1830 UdTdT AD-71874 A-144305 UAUGCAUCGAAGGCUGUU 1203 A-144306 UAACAGCCUUCGAUGCAUAdTdT 1517 UAUGCAUCGAAGGCUGUUG 1831 AdTdT AD-71875 A-144307 UGGAGAGCCGCCCCUCUU 1204 A-144308 UAAGAGGGGCGGCUCUCCAdTdT 1518 UGGAGAGCCGCCCCUCUUC 1832 AdTdT AD-71876 A-144309 UCCUGGCUGCUUCUAUCU 1205 A-144310 AAGAUAGAAGCAGCCAGGAdTdT 1519 UCCUGGCUGCUUCUAUCUU 1833 UdTdT AD-71877 A-144311 UUCUUUGCCAUCAAAGAU 1206 A-144312 UAUCUUUGAUGGCAAAGAAdTdT 1520 UUCUUUGCCAUCAAAGAUG 1834 AdTdT AD-71878 A-144313 CCAUCCGUGCAGCUCGAG 1207 A-144314 UCUCGAGCUGCACGGAUGGdTdT 1521 CCAUCCGUGCAGCUCGAGC 1835 AdTdT AD-71879 A-144315 AGCUCAGCACACAGGUAA 1208 A-144316 AUUACCUGUGUGCUGAGCUdTdT 1522 AGCUCAGCACACAGGUAAU 1836 UdTdT AD-71880 A-144317 AAUAACGUGAAGGAACUC 1209 A-144318 AGAGUUCCUUCACGUUAUUdTdT 1523 AAUAACGUGAAGGAACUCU 1837 UdTdT AD-71881 A-144319 UUCCGGCUAGACAGCCCU 1210 A-144320 UAGGGCUGUCUAGCCGGAAdTdT 1524 UUCCGGCUAGACAGCCCUG 1838 AdTdT AD-71882 A-144321 UGCCACCCCGGAGAAGAU 1211 A-144322 UAUCUUCUCCGGGGUGGCAdTdT 1525 UGCCACCCCGGAGAAGAUC 1839 AdTdT AD-71883 A-144323 AUCCGCAAUGCCUGCGUG 1212 A-144324 UCACGCAGGCAUUGCGGAUdTdT 1526 AUCCGCAAUGCCUGCGUGG 1840 AdTdT AD-71884 A-144325 GACAAGUUCACCACCCUG 1213 A-144326 ACAGGGUGGUGAACUUGUCdTdT 1527 GACAAGUUCACCACCCUGU 1841 UdTdT AD-71885 A-144327 UGUGUGUCACUGGUGUCC 1214 A-144328 UGGACACCAGUGACACACAdTdT 1528 UGUGUGUCACUGGUGUCCC 1842 AdTdT AD-71886 A-144329 AGAAAACUGCAAACCCUG 1215 A-144330 UCAGGGUUUGCAGUUUUCUdTdT 1529 AGAAAACUGCAAACCCUGG 1843 AdTdT AD-71887 A-144331 CUGGUCUGUGAGGGUCUA 1216 A-144332 UUAGACCCUCACAGACCAGdTdT 1530 CUGGUCUGUGAGGGUCUAA 1844 AdTdT AD-71888 A-144333 AAAGAGAGAGUCCUCAGC 1217 A-144334 UGCUGAGGACUCUCUCUUUdTdT 1531 AAAGAGAGAGUCCUCAGCA 1845 AdTdT AD-71889 A-144335 AGAGUCUUCUUGUGCUGC 1218 A-144336 UGCAGCACAAGAAGACUCUdTdT 1532 AGAGUCUUCUUGUGCUGCC 1846 AdTdT AD-71890 A-144337 GCCUUUGGGCUUCCAUGG 1219 A-144338 UCCAUGGAAGCCCAAAGGCdTdT 1533 GCCUUUGGGCUUCCAUGGA 1847 AdTdT AD-71891 A-144341 CAGAACAUGGAUCUAUUA 1220 A-144342 UUAAUAGAUCCAUGUUCUGdTdT 1534 CAGAACAUGGAUCUAUUAA 1848 AdTdT AD-71892 A-144343 UUAAAGUCACAGAAUGAC 1221 A-144344 UGUCAUUCUGUGACUUUAAdTdT 1535 UUAAAGUCACAGAAUGACA 1849 AdTdT AD-71893 A-144345 AGACCUGUGAUUUGUCAA 1222 A-144346 UUUGACAAAUCACAGGUCUdTdT 1536 AGACCUGUGAUUUGUCAAG 1850 AdTdT AD-71894 A-144347 AGAUGGGAUUUGGAAGAC 1223 A-144348 UGUCUUCCAAAUCCCAUCUdTdT 1537 AGAUGGGAUUUGGAAGACA 1851 AdTdT AD-71895 A-144349 AAGUGAAUGCAAUGGAAG 1224 A-144350 UCUUCCAUUGCAUUCACUUdTdT 1538 AAGUGAAUGCAAUGGAAGA 1852 AdTdT AD-71896 A-144351 AAGAUUUUGAUCAAAAAU 1225 A-144352 UAUUUUUGAUCAAAAUCUUdTdT 1539 AAGAUUUUGAUCAAAAAUG 1853 AdTdT AD-71897 A-144353 UGUAAUUUGUAAACACAA 1226 A-144354 AUUGUGUUUACAAAUUACAdTdT 1540 UGUAAUUUGUAAACACAAU 1854 UdTdT AD-71898 A-144355 GAUAAGCAAAUUCAAAAC 1227 A-144356 AGUUUUGAAUUUGCUUAUCdTdT 1541 GAUAAGCAAAUUCAAAACU 1855 UdTdT AD-71899 A-144357 ACUGUUAUGCCUAAAUGG 1228 A-144358 ACCAUUUAGGCAUAACAGUdTdT 1542 ACUGUUAUGCCUAAAUGGU 1856 UdTdT AD-71900 A-144359 UGAAUAUGCAAUUAGGAU 1229 A-144360 UAUCCUAAUUGCAUAUUCAdTdT 1543 UGAAUAUGCAAUUAGGAUC 1857 AdTdT AD-71901 A-144361 AUCAUUUUCUGUCUGUUU 1230 A-144362 AAAACAGACAGAAAAUGAUdTdT 1544 AUCAUUUUCUGUCUGUUUU 1858 UdTdT AD-71902 A-144363 UUAAUCAUGUAUCUGGAA 1231 A-144364 AUUCCAGAUACAUGAUUAAdTdT 1545 UUAAUCAUGUAUCUGGAAU 1859 UdTdT AD-71903 A-144365 AAUAGGGUCGGGAAGGGU 1232 A-144366 AACCCUUCCCGACCCUAUUdTdT 1546 AAUAGGGUCGGGAAGGGUU 1860 UdTdT AD-71904 A-144367 UUUGUGCUAUUCCCCACU 1233 A-144368 AAGUGGGGAAUAGCACAAAdTdT 1547 UUUGUGCUAUUCCCCACUU 1861 UdTdT AD-71905 A-144369 UUACUGGACAGCCUGUAU 1234 A-144370 UAUACAGGCUGUCCAGUAAdTdT 1548 UUACUGGACAGCCUGUAUA 1862 AdTdT AD-71906 A-144371 AACCUCAAGUUCUGAUGG 1235 A-144372 ACCAUCAGAACUUGAGGUUdTdT 1549 AACCUCAAGUUCUGAUGGU 1863 UdTdT AD-71907 A-144373 UGUCUGUCCUUUGAAGAG 1236 A-144374 UCUCUUCAAAGGACAGACAdTdT 1550 UGUCUGUCCUUUGAAGAGG 1864 AdTdT AD-71908 A-144375 AGGAUUCCCACAAACCUC 1237 A-144376 AGAGGUUUGUGGGAAUCCUdTdT 1551 AGGAUUCCCACAAACCUCU 1865 UdTdT AD-71909 A-144377 UAGAAGCUUAAACCGAAG 1238 A-144378 ACUUCGGUUUAAGCUUCUAdTdT 1552 UAGAAGCUUAAACCGAAGU 1866 UdTdT AD-71910 A-144379 AAGUUACUUUAAAUCGUG 1239 A-144380 ACACGAUUUAAAGUAACUUdTdT 1553 AAGUUACUUUAAAUCGUGU 1867 UdTdT AD-71911 A-144381 UGCCUUCCUGUGAAAGCC 1240 A-144382 AGGCUUUCACAGGAAGGCAdTdT 1554 UGCCUUCCUGUGAAAGCCU 1868 UdTdT AD-71912 A-144383 CUGGCCUUCAAACCAAUG 1241 A-144384 UCAUUGGUUUGAAGGCCAGdTdT 1555 CUGGCCUUCAAACCAAUGA 1869 AdTdT AD-71913 A-144385 AACAGCAAAGCAUAACCU 1242 A-144386 AAGGUUAUGCUUUGCUGUUdTdT 1556 AACAGCAAAGCAUAACCUU 1870 UdTdT AD-71914 A-144387 UUGAAUCUAUACUCAAAU 1243 A-144388 AAUUUGAGUAUAGAUUCAAdTdT 1557 UUGAAUCUAUACUCAAAUU 1871 UdTdT AD-71915 A-144389 UUUUGCAAUGAGGCAGUG 1244 A-144390 UCACUGCCUCAUUGCAAAAdTdT 1558 UUUUGCAAUGAGGCAGUGG 1872 AdTdT AD-71916 A-144391 UGGGGUAAGGUUAAAUCC 1245 A-144392 AGGAUUUAACCUUACCCCAdTdT 1559 UGGGGUAAGGUUAAAUCCU 1873 UdTdT AD-71917 A-144393 UCUAACCAUCUUUGAAUC 1246 A-144394 UGAUUCAAAGAUGGUUAGAdTdT 1560 UCUAACCAUCUUUGAAUCA 1874 AdTdT AD-71918 A-144395 AUCAUUGGAAAGAAUAAA 1247 A-144396 CUUUAUUCUUUCCAAUGAUdTdT 1561 AUCAUUGGAAAGAAUAAAG 1875 GdTdT AD-71919 A-144397 AAUGAAACAAAUUCAAGG 1248 A-144398 ACCUUGAAUUUGUUUCAUUdTdT 1562 AAUGAAACAAAUUCAAGGU 1876 UdTdT AD-71920 A-144399 AGGUUAAUUGGAUCUGAU 1249 A-144400 AAUCAGAUCCAAUUAACCUdTdT 1563 AGGUUAAUUGGAUCUGAUU 1877 UdTdT AD-71921 A-144401 UUUGUGAAGCUGCAUAAA 1250 A-144402 CUUUAUGCAGCUUCACAAAdTdT 1564 UUUGUGAAGCUGCAUAAAG 1878 GdTdT AD-71922 A-144403 AGCAAGAUUACUCUAUAA 1251 A-144404 AUUAUAGAGUAAUCUUGCUdTdT 1565 AGCAAGAUUACUCUAUAAU 1879 UdTdT AD-71923 A-144405 UACAAAAAUCCAACCAAC 1252 A-144406 AGUUGGUUGGAUUUUUGUAdTdT 1566 UACAAAAAUCCAACCAACU 1880 UdTdT AD-71924 A-144407 ACUCAAUUAUUGAGCACG 1253 A-144408 ACGUGCUCAAUAAUUGAGUdTdT 1567 ACUCAAUUAUUGAGCACGU 1881 UdTdT AD-71925 A-144409 UACAAUGUUCUAGAUUUC 1254 A-144410 AGAAAUCUAGAACAUUGUAdTdT 1568 UACAAUGUUCUAGAUUUCU 1882 UdTdT AD-71926 A-144411 UUCUUUCCCUUCCUCUUU 1255 A-144412 UAAAGAGGAAGGGAAAGAAdTdT 1569 UUCUUUCCCUUCCUCUUUG 1883 AdTdT AD-71927 A-144413 GAAGAGAAUAUUUGUAUU 1256 A-144414 UAAUACAAAUAUUCUCUUCdTdT 1570 GAAGAGAAUAUUUGUAUUC 1884 AdTdT AD-71928 A-144415 UUCCAAAUACUCUUUGAG 1257 A-144416 ACUCAAAGAGUAUUUGGAAdTdT 1571 UUCCAAAUACUCUUUGAGU 1885 UdTdT AD-71929 A-144417 UAUUUACAAAAAAGAUUA 1258 A-144418 AUAAUCUUUUUUGUAAAUAdTdT 1572 UAUUUACAAAAAAGAUUAU 1886 UdTdT AD-72020 A-144419 UAUGUUUAAUCUUUACAU 1259 A-144420 AAUGUAAAGAUUAAACAUAdTdT 1573 UAUGUUUAAUCUUUACAUU 1887 UdTdT AD-72021 A-144421 UUUGAAGCCAAAGUAAUU 1260 A-144422 AAAUUACUUUGGCUUCAAAdTdT 1574 UUUGAAGCCAAAGUAAUUU 1888 UdTdT AD-72022 A-144423 UUCCACCUAGAAAUGAUG 1261 A-144424 UCAUCAUUUCUAGGUGGAAdTdT 1575 UUCCACCUAGAAAUGAUGC 1889 AdTdT AD-72023 A-144425 UAUCAGUCCUGGCAUGGU 1262 A-144426 UACCAUGCCAGGACUGAUAdTdT 1576 UAUCAGUCCUGGCAUGGUG 1890 AdTdT AD-72024 A-144427 UGGCUCACCCCUAUAAUC 1263 A-144428 UGAUUAUAGGGGUGAGCCAdTdT 1577 UGGCUCACCCCUAUAAUCC 1891 AdTdT AD-72025 A-144429 AUCCCAGCACUUUGGGAG 1264 A-144430 UCUCCCAAAGUGCUGGGAUdTdT 1578 AUCCCAGCACUUUGGGAGG 1892 AdTdT AD-72026 A-144431 CUAAGGCAGGAGAAUUGC 1265 A-144432 AGCAAUUCUCCUGCCUUAGdTdT 1579 CUAAGGCAGGAGAAUUGCU 1893 UdTdT AD-72027 A-144433 UGCUUGAGCCCAGCAGUU 1266 A-144434 AAACUGCUGGGCUCAAGCAdTdT 1580 UGCUUGAGCCCAGCAGUUU 1894 UdTdT AD-72028 A-144435 UUGAGACCAGCCUGGGCA 1267 A-144436 UUGCCCAGGCUGGUCUCAAdTdT 1581 UUGAGACCAGCCUGGGCAA 1895 AdTdT AD-72029 A-144437 ACAUAGAGAGCUCCUGUC 1268 A-144438 AGACAGGAGCUCUCUAUGUdTdT 1582 ACAUAGAGAGCUCCUGUCU 1896 UdTdT AD-72030 A-144439 UCUUUAAAAAAAAUUUUU 1269 A-144440 AAAAAAUUUUUUUUAAAGAdTdT 1583 UCUUUAAAAAAAAUUUUUU 1897 UdTdT AD-72031 A-144441 UUAAUUAGUUGGUCUUGA 1270 A-144442 AUCAAGACCAACUAAUUAAdTdT 1584 UUAAUUAGUUGGUCUUGAU 1898 UdTdT AD-72032 A-144443 UAGUGCAUGCCUGUAGUC 1271 A-144444 UGACUACAGGCAUGCACUAdTdT 1585 UAGUGCAUGCCUGUAGUCC 1899 AdTdT AD-72033 A-144445 CCCAACUACUUGAAAGGC 1272 A-144446 AGCCUUUCAAGUAGUUGGGdTdT 1586 CCCAACUACUUGAAAGGCU 1900 UdTdT AD-72034 A-144447 CUGAGGUGGAGAGAUCAU 1273 A-144448 AAUGAUCUCUCCACCUCAGdTdT 1587 CUGAGGUGGAGAGAUCAUU 1901 UdTdT AD-72035 A-144449 UUUGAGCUCAGGAGGUUG 1274 A-144450 UCAACCUCCUGAGCUCAAAdTdT 1588 UUUGAGCUCAGGAGGUUGA 1902 AdTdT AD-72036 A-144451 UUGAGGCUGCAGUGAGCU 1275 A-144452 UAGCUCACUGCAGCCUCAAdTdT 1589 UUGAGGCUGCAGUGAGCUA 1903 AdTdT AD-72037 A-144455 CUCCUGCCUGAGCGACUG 1276 A-144456 UCAGUCGCUCAGGCAGGAGdTdT 1590 CUCCUGCCUGAGCGACUGA 1904 AdTdT AD-72038 A-144457 UGAGCAAGAUCUUGUCUC 1277 A-144458 AGAGACAAGAUCUUGCUCAdTdT 1591 UGAGCAAGAUCUUGUCUCU 1905 UdTdT AD-72039 A-144459 UGAAGAAAAAAAAAGAAA 1278 A-144460 AUUUCUUUUUUUUUCUUCAdTdT 1592 UGAAGAAAAAAAAAGAAAU 1906 UdTdT AD-72040 A-144461 UAAAAAUGCUGCUAUCAA 1279 A-144462 UUUGAUAGCAGCAUUUUUAdTdT 1593 UAAAAAUGCUGCUAUCAAA 1907 AdTdT AD-72041 A-144463 AAAAUCAAGCCCAACCAG 1280 A-144464 UCUGGUUGGGCUUGAUUUUdTdT 1594 AAAAUCAAGCCCAACCAGA 1908 AdTdT AD-72042 A-144465 AGAGGUAGAAGAGCCAAG 1281 A-144466 UCUUGGCUCUUCUACCUCUdTdT 1595 AGAGGUAGAAGAGCCAAGA 1909 AdTdT AD-72043 A-144467 AAGCCUGGGUUCUCAUCC 1282 A-144468 AGGAUGAGAACCCAGGCUUdTdT 1596 AAGCCUGGGUUCUCAUCCU 1910 UdTdT AD-72044 A-144469 CUAGCUCUGUCUCUUCUG 1283 A-144470 ACAGAAGAGACAGAGCUAGdTdT 1597 CUAGCUCUGUCUCUUCUGU 1911 UdTdT AD-72045 A-144473 UUGGACUGUCAAUUCCCC 1284 A-144474 AGGGGAAUUGACAGUCCAAdTdT 1598 UUGGACUGUCAAUUCCCCU 1912 UdTdT AD-72046 A-144475 CCUUCCUGUGAUCCAUUU 1285 A-144476 AAAAUGGAUCACAGGAAGGdTdT 1599 CCUUCCUGUGAUCCAUUUU 1913 UdTdT AD-72047 A-144481 UCUCACGUCUUCUGCUUU 1286 A-144482 UAAAGCAGAAGACGUGAGAdTdT 1600 UCUCACGUCUUCUGCUUUA 1914 AdTdT AD-72048 A-144485 UAUGACCUGAAAACUCCA 1287 A-144486 UUGGAGUUUUCAGGUCAUAdTdT 1601 UAUGACCUGAAAACUCCAG 1915 AdTdT AD-72049 A-144487 UUACAUAAAGGAUCUGCA 1288 A-144488 UUGCAGAUCCUUUAUGUAAdTdT 1602 UUACAUAAAGGAUCUGCAG 1916 AdTdT AD-72050 A-144489 CAGCUAUCUAAGGCUUGG 1289 A-144490 ACCAAGCCUUAGAUAGCUGdTdT 1603 CAGCUAUCUAAGGCUUGGU 1917 UdTdT AD-72051 A-144493 AUGAUACCUGGGUCUAAU 1290 A-144494 UAUUAGACCCAGGUAUCAUdTdT 1604 AUGAUACCUGGGUCUAAUG 1918 AdTdT AD-72052 A-144495 AACUCUGCUGAGAUCACC 1291 A-144496 AGGUGAUCUCAGCAGAGUUdTdT 1605 AACUCUGCUGAGAUCACCU 1919 UdTdT AD-72053 A-144497 ACCUCAAGUUUCUGCGGU 1292 A-144498 AACCGCAGAAACUUGAGGUdTdT 1606 ACCUCAAGUUUCUGCGGUU 1920 UdTdT AD-72054 A-144499 UUGGUAAAGAGAACAAGG 1293 A-144500 UCCUUGUUCUCUUUACCAAdTdT 1607 UUGGUAAAGAGAACAAGGG 1921 AdTdT AD-72055 A-144501 AAGAACAAACAUCCCUUU 1294 A-144502 AAAAGGGAUGUUUGUUCUUdTdT 1608 AAGAACAAACAUCCCUUUU 1922 UdTdT AD-72056 A-144503 UUUUAUUGCUCCAAAUGG 1295 A-144504 ACCAUUUGGAGCAAUAAAAdTdT 1609 UUUUAUUGCUCCAAAUGGU 1923 UdTdT AD-72057 A-144505 GAUUUAAUCCCUACAUGG 1296 A-144506 ACCAUGUAGGGAUUAAAUCdTdT 1610 GAUUUAAUCCCUACAUGGU 1924 UdTdT AD-72058 A-144507 GGUGCUGGGUGGACAAUG 1297 A-144508 ACAUUGUCCACCCAGCACCdTdT 1611 GGUGCUGGGUGGACAAUGU 1925 UdTdT AD-72059 A-144509 UGUCACUGUCACAUGCCU 1298 A-144510 AAGGCAUGUGACAGUGACAdTdT 1612 UGUCACUGUCACAUGCCUU 1926 UdTdT AD-72060 A-144511 UUCACUGUAUAAAUCCAA 1299 A-144512 UUUGGAUUUAUACAGUGAAdTdT 1613 UUCACUGUAUAAAUCCAAC 1927 AdTdT AD-72061 A-144513 ACCUUCUGCCAGAGAGAA 1300 A-144514 AUUCUCUCUGGCAGAAGGUdTdT 1614 ACCUUCUGCCAGAGAGAAU 1928 UdTdT AD-72062 A-144517 CAUGGAGGGAGGAUAGUG 1301 A-144518 UCACUAUCCUCCCUCCAUGdTdT 1615 CAUGGAGGGAGGAUAGUGG 1929 AdTdT AD-72063 A-144519 AAAUGAUAUAGUUGGACU 1302 A-144520 UAGUCCAACUAUAUCAUUUdTdT 1616 AAAUGAUAUAGUUGGACUG 1930 AdTdT AD-72064 A-144521 ACUGGUGCUUGAUGUCAC 1303 A-144522 AGUGACAUCAAGCACCAGUdTdT 1617 ACUGGUGCUUGAUGUCACU 1931 UdTdT AD-72065 A-144523 CUAAUAAAUGAAACUGUC 1304 A-144524 UGACAGUUUCAUUUAUUAGdTdT 1618 CUAAUAAAUGAAACUGUCA 1932 AdTdT

TABLE 8 XDH Single Dose (10 nM) Screen in Primary Human Hepatocytes Duplex Position in Name AVG STDEV NM_000379.3 AD-71930 82.8 4.5  18-36 AD-71931 56.8 3.9  36-54 AD-71932 60.4 4.8  69-87 AD-71933 49.5 5.4  86-104 AD-71934 65.8 15.1  104-122 AD-71935 50.8 6.2  119-137 AD-71936 65.3 19.6  154-172 AD-71937 94.4 19.3  172-190 AD-71938 90.8 1.8  188-206 AD-71939 80.7 9.1  205-223 AD-71940 67.2 2.3  223-241 AD-71941 70.8 23.2  239-257 AD-71942 49.6 8.9  273-291 AD-71943 50.3 3.7  291-309 AD-71944 52.9 6.5  308-326 AD-71945 79.4 5.0  325-343 AD-71946 92.7 0.1  342-360 AD-71947 50.1 17.5  358-376 AD-71948 65.1 19.8  376-394 AD-71949 87.7 0.1  392-410 AD-71950 44.1 2.8  410-428 AD-71951 70.6 5.2  425-443 AD-71952 43.5 4.0  444-462 AD-71953 85.3 1.7  459-477 AD-71954 56.1 7.2  477-495 AD-71955 80.7 22.7  495-513 AD-71956 81.6 9.6  510-528 AD-71957 69.1 8.1  529-547 AD-71958 60.6 2.7  544-562 AD-71959 79.8 12.1  563-581 AD-71960 68.4 16.0  580-598 AD-71961 51.1 2.0  596-614 AD-71962 52.0 0.7  630-648 AD-71963 56.9 3.6  647-665 AD-71964 52.4 3.4  663-681 AD-71965 90.2 29.6  680-698 AD-71966 53.2 5.5  697-715 AD-71967 54.5 4.2  714-732 AD-71968 53.3 3.2  731-749 AD-71969 57.0 4.7  748-766 AD-71970 72.1 10.5  765-783 AD-71971 60.0 4.2  783-801 AD-71972 86.7 6.8  799-817 AD-71973 89.1 7.0  816-834 AD-71974 65.9 6.2  834-852 AD-71975 62.3 16.3  852-870 AD-71976 75.7 22.3  869-887 AD-71977 69.5 17.5  884-902 AD-71978 112.9 17.2  902-920 AD-71979 88.8 12.2  919-937 AD-71980 47.2 20.4  936-954 AD-71981 51.9 9.6  953-971 AD-71982 46.5 1.2  969-987 AD-71983 58.2 14.4  986-1004 AD-71984 61.3 5.4 1005-1023 AD-71985 78.2 7.6 1021-1039 AD-71986 84.0 15.2 1037-1055 AD-71987 66.6 4.0 1056-1074 AD-71988 56.9 3.6 1071-1089 AD-71989 61.2 31.8 1088-1106 AD-71990 33.5 4.7 1105-1123 AD-71991 77.8 4.1 1123-1141 AD-71992 76.4 2.3 1141-1159 AD-71993 34.5 16.4 1158-1176 AD-71994 83.5 18.6 1173-1191 AD-71995 53.3 2.1 1190-1208 AD-71996 53.9 2.9 1207-1225 AD-71997 83.6 1.6 1225-1243 AD-71998 39.5 0.4 1242-1260 AD-71999 58.1 7.4 1259-1277 AD-72000 87.3 22.1 1277-1295 AD-72001 89.2 9.7 1292-1310 AD-72002 84.3 6.7 1310-1328 AD-72003 40.5 6.9 1326-1344 AD-72004 55.2 17.3 1343-1361 AD-72005 66.6 20.9 1362-1380 AD-72006 42.7 0.0 1378-1396 AD-72007 32.6 6.0 1394-1412 AD-72008 76.2 10.4 1411-1429 AD-72009 57.3 2.5 1428-1446 AD-72010 86.3 6.4 1445-1463 AD-72011 56.5 13.4 1463-1481 AD-72012 48.8 5.3 1481-1499 AD-72013 52.2 1.6 1496-1514 AD-72014 45.8 3.6 1515-1533 AD-72015 46.1 5.6 1530-1548 AD-72016 78.2 7.7 1548-1566 AD-72017 100.3 8.8 1564-1582 AD-72018 68.4 4.1 1583-1601 AD-72019 90.5 1.4 1598-1616 AD-71752 60.9 14.0 1617-1635 AD-71753 63.1 2.1 1634-1652 AD-71754 108.1 31.4 1667-1685 AD-71755 84.4 21.3 1685-1703 AD-71756 59.5 6.7 1702-1720 AD-71757 48.5 0.7 1718-1736 AD-71758 92.8 6.3 1734-1752 AD-71759 73.0 7.8 1752-1770 AD-71760 63.9 14.0 1770-1788 AD-71761 108.8 2.1 1787-1805 AD-71762 124.6 21.3 1803-1821 AD-71763 55.1 0.0 1819-1837 AD-71764 121.9 19.7 1836-1854 AD-71765 41.8 7.0 1854-1872 AD-71766 44.0 2.0 1872-1890 AD-71767 51.3 0.7 1889-1907 AD-71768 58.3 3.5 1921-1939 AD-71769 53.5 9.7 1939-1957 AD-71770 74.2 6.2 1973-1991 AD-71771 60.7 13.6 1991-2009 AD-71772 58.4 11.4 2040-2058 AD-71773 77.4 12.1 2057-2075 AD-71774 130.8 7.0 2075-2093 AD-71775 75.8 7.8 2091-2109 AD-71776 76.4 3.0 2110-2128 AD-71777 76.0 27.4 2126-2144 AD-71778 48.3 9.2 2142-2160 AD-71779 43.1 10.8 2177-2195 AD-71780 78.4 16.8 2194-2212 AD-71781 71.2 14.3 2210-2228 AD-71782 92.8 3.7 2228-2246 AD-71783 60.8 19.1 2244-2262 AD-71784 62.8 17.1 2263-2281 AD-71785 58.7 13.7 2280-2298 AD-71786 50.7 5.7 2295-2313 AD-71787 46.7 5.2 2314-2332 AD-71788 60.8 0.6 2331-2349 AD-71789 105.1 1.0 2347-2365 AD-71790 55.1 18.8 2364-2382 AD-71791 72.4 10.2 2381-2399 AD-71792 72.9 10.4 2399-2417 AD-71793 61.5 5.2 2414-2432 AD-71794 65.0 6.0 2431-2449 AD-71795 69.6 23.1 2448-2466 AD-71796 68.0 9.0 2467-2485 AD-71797 67.8 18.4 2483-2501 AD-71798 91.7 21.0 2500-2518 AD-71799 57.4 9.0 2517-2535 AD-71800 64.3 13.5 2550-2568 AD-71801 40.3 9.0 2567-2585 AD-71802 80.3 5.6 2586-2604 AD-71803 51.1 6.2 2602-2620 AD-71804 90.3 6.2 2618-2636 AD-71805 51.4 5.3 2637-2655 AD-71806 86.3 18.5 2654-2672 AD-71807 68.8 7.7 2670-2688 AD-71808 69.9 45.6 2686-2704 AD-71809 51.2 7.3 2705-2723 AD-71810 36.8 0.6 2722-2740 AD-71811 52.1 4.3 2739-2757 AD-71812 76.9 9.4 2754-2772 AD-71813 55.9 2.2 2773-2791 AD-71814 68.7 14.7 2788-2806 AD-71815 90.8 18.1 2805-2823 AD-71816 71.1 9.0 2823-2841 AD-71817 87.4 9.4 2840-2858 AD-71818 67.1 15.4 2858-2876 AD-71819 79.7 16.7 2875-2893 AD-71820 38.2 0.7 2891-2909 AD-71821 58.9 18.2 2909-2927 AD-71822 55.7 18.0 2924-2942 AD-71823 45.3 3.3 2941-2959 AD-71824 57.1 6.9 2958-2976 AD-71825 68.3 7.7 2977-2995 AD-71826 47.3 11.1 2993-3011 AD-71827 51.6 6.0 3011-3029 AD-71828 51.5 1.5 3026-3044 AD-71829 85.5 6.7 3044-3062 AD-71830 43.1 1.9 3062-3080 AD-71831 36.7 2.9 3079-3097 AD-71832 77.0 4.6 3095-3113 AD-71833 44.9 4.0 3112-3130 AD-71834 41.7 2.7 3129-3147 AD-71835 53.3 1.6 3146-3164 AD-71836 52.5 1.0 3164-3182 AD-71837 39.1 0.2 3197-3215 AD-71838 93.7 2.2 3215-3233 AD-71839 55.6 2.8 3230-3248 AD-71840 42.4 15.8 3247-3265 AD-71841 69.4 24.3 3266-3284 AD-71842 69.6 1.7 3281-3299 AD-71843 51.5 1.0 3298-3316 AD-71844 43.0 0.9 3316-3334 AD-71845 58.5 0.8 3333-3351 AD-71846 73.4 7.1 3350-3368 AD-71847 45.4 0.0 3366-3384 AD-71848 65.6 13.7 3384-3402 AD-71849 105.6 19.0 3401-3419 AD-71850 69.2 12.5 3419-3437 AD-71851 54.0 2.2 3434-3452 AD-71852 51.1 6.3 3452-3470 AD-71853 71.3 1.4 3470-3488 AD-71854 48.8 0.3 3487-3505 AD-71855 48.2 13.7 3502-3520 AD-71856 59.5 7.3 3521-3539 AD-71857 54.2 6.4 3538-3556 AD-71858 51.4 12.0 3555-3573 AD-71859 52.3 8.5 3570-3588 AD-71860 62.1 13.0 3588-3606 AD-71861 39.3 2.7 3606-3624 AD-71862 67.9 2.7 3621-3639 AD-71863 56.4 3.9 3639-3657 AD-71864 78.6 4.6 3657-3675 AD-71865 49.1 4.8 3672-3690 AD-71866 59.1 2.3 3690-3708 AD-71867 50.9 5.4 3706-3724 AD-71868 60.3 6.2 3724-3742 AD-71869 76.3 12.0 3740-3758 AD-71870 68.1 6.6 3758-3776 AD-71871 108.2 8.5 3776-3794 AD-71872 75.4 21.9 3808-3826 AD-71873 59.2 8.4 3826-3844 AD-71874 69.0 10.4 3842-3860 AD-71875 68.1 11.6 3859-3877 AD-71876 60.1 11.7 3876-3894 AD-71877 89.9 3.1 3893-3911 AD-71878 49.8 11.3 3912-3930 AD-71879 73.0 1.7 3928-3946 AD-71880 91.3 7.5 3944-3962 AD-71881 125.0 7.3 3962-3980 AD-71882 107.5 9.5 3979-3997 AD-71883 67.6 7.3 3995-4013 AD-71884 55.4 7.6 4013-4031 AD-71885 66.6 5.9 4029-4047 AD-71886 79.7 3.1 4048-4066 AD-71887 47.0 9.8 4063-4081 AD-71888 102.9 3.1 4080-4098 AD-71889 51.2 10.0 4098-4116 AD-71890 48.9 1.2 4114-4132 AD-71891 55.7 6.0 4150-4168 AD-71892 69.5 11.2 4165-4183 AD-71893 67.3 9.9 4183-4201 AD-71894 46.7 4.8 4200-4218 AD-71895 64.3 15.6 4218-4236 AD-71896 110.4 32.1 4233-4251 AD-71897 60.4 1.8 4250-4268 AD-71898 63.0 5.0 4269-4287 AD-71899 55.0 3.0 4285-4303 AD-71900 45.6 2.0 4303-4321 AD-71901 49.7 0.9 4319-4337 AD-71902 85.9 26.2 4336-4354 AD-71903 54.4 17.8 4352-4370 AD-71904 71.3 2.1 4369-4387 AD-71905 49.8 3.9 4386-4404 AD-71906 66.9 6.3 4404-4422 AD-71907 63.6 8.7 4422-4440 AD-71908 57.2 8.6 4438-4456 AD-71909 56.2 10.6 4456-4474 AD-71910 52.5 6.5 4471-4489 AD-71911 51.1 15.5 4489-4507 AD-71912 64.7 23.6 4506-4524 AD-71913 50.1 8.8 4524-4542 AD-71914 49.9 5.8 4541-4559 AD-71915 82.6 20.9 4558-4576 AD-71916 67.3 21.4 4574-4592 AD-71917 74.4 34.4 4592-4610 AD-71918 77.8 14.0 4607-4625 AD-71919 116.4 22.2 4626-4644 AD-71920 78.8 18.0 4641-4659 AD-71921 100.5 5.4 4659-4677 AD-71922 61.7 3.7 4676-4694 AD-71923 72.1 4.6 4694-4712 AD-71924 57.0 5.9 4710-4728 AD-71925 74.1 2.6 4728-4746 AD-71926 56.9 0.2 4743-4761 AD-71927 70.8 8.6 4761-4779 AD-71928 106.9 17.1 4777-4795 AD-71929 90.1 8.4 4795-4813 AD-72020 86.0 3.3 4811-4829 AD-72021 69.7 18.9 4828-4846 AD-72022 82.9 12.2 4845-4863 AD-72023 99.1 4.4 4864-4882 AD-72024 81.9 10.9 4881-4899 AD-72025 101.1 1.4 4896-4914 AD-72026 106.2 3.6 4915-4933 AD-72027 88.7 4.0 4930-4948 AD-72028 91.2 5.9 4947-4965 AD-72029 84.2 3.4 4965-4983 AD-72030 121.3 30.1 4981-4999 AD-72031 95.1 5.1 4999-5017 AD-72032 82.7 0.4 5017-5035 AD-72033 83.0 3.2 5034-5052 AD-72034 64.8 12.6 5051-5069 AD-72035 94.7 10.7 5068-5086 AD-72036 92.1 2.7 5083-5101 AD-72037 78.6 3.9 5118-5136 AD-72038 85.2 6.3 5134-5152 AD-72039 87.5 2.9 5152-5170 AD-72040 69.6 8.1 5170-5188 AD-72041 80.7 0.0 5186-5204 AD-72042 83.3 28.8 5202-5220 AD-72043 107.3 0.1 5220-5238 AD-72044 100.8 4.9 5237-5255 AD-72045 145.2 42.9 5272-5290 AD-72046 76.9 12.7 5288-5306 AD-72047 62.9 1.3 5339-5357 AD-72048 66.6 5.3 5372-5390 AD-72049 74.6 2.5 5391-5409 AD-72050 96.8 32.6 5407-5425 AD-72051 76.7 4.2 5440-5458 AD-72052 91.9 6.7 5459-5477 AD-72053 67.5 16.4 5474-5492 AD-72054 85.9 0.9 5491-5509 AD-72055 99.8 5.4 5510-5528 AD-72056 111.5 2.8 5525-5543 AD-72057 98.9 9.6 5544-5562 AD-72058 82.8 19.6 5560-5578 AD-72059 89.5 33.9 5578-5596 AD-72060 91.8 0.5 5595-5613 AD-72061 104.8 18.8 5612-5630 AD-72062 73.9 5.0 5644-5662 AD-72063 98.7 19.8 5663-5681 AD-72064 84.8 14.9 5678-5696 AD-72065 77.7 15.9 5695-5713

Example 4. In Vitro Determination IC₅₀ Values of XDH iRNA Agents in Cynomolgus Monkey and Mouse Primary Hepatocytes

A series of siRNA-GalNAc3 conjugates targeting an XDH gene were analyzed for target knockdown in cynomolgus monkey and mouse primary hepatocytes. The results are provided as IC₅₀ (nM) in Table 9.

TABLE 9 XDH siRNA IC₅₀ Values in Primary Cynomolgus Monkey and Mouse Hepatocytes Duplex Cyno Mouse AD-70042 0.0047 >10 nM AD-70016 0.006 0.2345 AD-70030 0.0209 >10 nM AD-70044 0.0224 >10 nM AD-70050 0.0524 >10 nM AD-70055 0.055 >10 nM AD-70033 0.0569 0.1231 AD-70026 0.0614 0.1901 AD-70051 0.0859 >10 nM AD-70052 0.1409 >10 nM AD-70020 0.4017 4.4548 AD-70018 0.5446 0.8168 AD-70023 0.6569 0.4775 AD-70024 >10 nM 0.5886

Example 5. In Vivo Effect of Single Dose Administration of XDH iRNA Agents in Mice

A series of siRNA-GalNAc3conjugates targeting an XDH gene were designed and tested for the ability to knockdown expression of XDH mRNA in 6-8 week old C57BL/6 female mice (n=3 per group). A single 1 mg/kg dose of AD-70016, AD-70018, AD-70020, AD-70023, AD-70026, AD-70030, AD-70033; or PBS control, was administered subcutaneously to the mice on day 1. On day 10, the mice were sacrificed to assess knockdown of XDH mRNA in liver by RT-PCR. The effect of a single dose of the indicated agents are provided in Table 10. The data are presented as the XDH mRNA level remaining relative to PBS.

TABLE 10 XDH siRNA Single Dose (1 mg/kg) mRNA Knockdown in Mouse Liver Relative siRNA mRNA St. Dev. PBS 100.0 4.43 AD-70016 22.73 6.03 AD-70018 65.93 8.83 AD-70020 88.98 35.71 AD-70023 50.14 22.53 AD-70026 62.25 1.99 AD-70030 84.46 10.67 AD-70033 36.57 9.98

Example 6. In Vivo Effect of Increasing Single Dose Administration of XDH iRNA Agents in Mice

Male mice typically have higher serum levels of uric acid than female mice. Therefore, the ability of dsRNA agents targeting XDH to knockdown XDH was also assessed in male mice. Of the duplexes tested, AD-70016 was found to be most effective in decreasing expression of XDH mRNA and was subsequently analyzed in a dose-response study. C57BL/6 male mice, 6-8 weeks of age (n=3-4 per group) were administered a single dose of AD-70016 at 10, 3, 1, 0.3, or 0.1 mg/kg; or a PBS control. On day 10, the mice were sacrificed to assess knockdown of XDH mRNA in liver by RT-PCR. The effects of a single dose of AD-70016 at the concentrations indicated are provided in Table 10. The data are presented as the XDH mRNA level remaining relative to PBS.

TABLE 11 XDH siRNA AD-70016 Single Dose mRNA Knockdown Dose Response in Mouse Liver mg/kg Relative mRNA St. Dev. 0 (PBS) 100.0 11.28 10 14.89 1.53 3 15.54 3.95 1 29.71 5.32 0.3 52.12 7.01 0.1 73.13 7.64

Further studies demonstrated the durability of knockdown by AD-70016 for at least 6 weeks post a single 10 mg/kg dose in C57BL/6 male mice.

Finally, in a single dose study using higher doses of GalNAc3 conjugated AD-70016 (3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg), achieved robust knockdown of mRNA at day 10 (15.35%, 9.42%, and 8.29% remaining, respectively).

Example 7. In Vivo Effect of Increasing Single Dose Administration of XDH iRNA Agents in Rats

The AD-70016-GalNAc conjugate, which has a single nucleotide mismatch to the rat XDH sequence, was analyzed in a dose-response study in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, 6-8 weeks of age (n=4 per group) were administered a single dose of AD-70016 at 15, 5, 1.5, 0.5, or 0.15 mg/kg; or a PBS control. On day 10, the rats were sacrificed to assess knockdown of XDH mRNA in liver by RT-PCR. The effects of a single dose of AD-70016 at the concentrations indicated are provided in Table 11. The data are presented as the XDH mRNA level remaining relative to PBS.

TABLE 12 XDH siRNA AD-70016 Single Dose mRNA Knockdown Dose Response in Rat Liver mg/kg Relative mRNA St. Dev. 0 (PBS) 100 17.98 15 19.01 4.92 5 13.74 2.08 1.5 31.97 7.20 0.5 45.14 8.32 0.15 63.74 8.28

The results demonstrate that AD-70016 is effective in knocking down XDH expression in rats.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments and methods described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the scope of the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene, wherein said dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein said sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and said antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.
 2. The dsRNA of claim 1, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of any one of nucleotides 490-512, 86-104, 273-291, 339-358, 410-428, 444-462, 490-509, 493-512, 888-907, 936-954, 969-987, 1105-1123, 1158-1176, 1242-1260, 1326-1344, 1357-1412, 1357-1379, 1357-1376, 1360-1379, 1378-1412, 1378-1396, 1394-1412, 1481-1499, 1515-1548, 1515-1533, 1530-1548, 1718-1736, 1783-1802, 1854-1890, 1854-1872, 1872-1890, 2053-2072, 2077-2096, 2137-2160, 2137-2156, 2142-2160, 2173-2206, 2173-2192, 2177-2195, 2184-2203, 2187-2206, 2314-2332, 2567-2604, 2567-2585, 2585-2604, 2620-2640, 2620-2639, 2621-2640, 2722-2740, 2891-2909, 2941-2975, 2941-2959, 2956-2975, 2993-3011, 3025-3061, 3025-3044, 3042-3061, 3062-3110, 3062-3080, 3079-3097, 3091-3110, 3112-3147, 3112-3130, 3129-3147, 3197-3215, 3247-3265, 3316-3334, 3366-3384, 3487-3520, 3487-3505, 3502-3520, 3606-3624, 3672-3690, 3891-3930, 3891-3910, 3893-3912, 3912-3930, 4063-4081, 4114-4132, 4152-4171, 4200-4218, 4300-4337, 4300-4319, 4303-4321, 4319-4337, 4386-4404, 4519-4538, 4541-4559, 4618-4637, or 4703-4722 of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
 3. A double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene, wherein said dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, the antisense strand comprising a region of complementarity which comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of the antisense nucleotide sequences listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6, and
 7. 4. The dsRNA agent of claim 3, wherein the region of complementarity of the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of the antisense nucleotide sequences of any one of duplexes AD-70016, AD-70033, AD-70053, AD-70050, AD-70051, AD-72007, AD-71990, AD-70049, AD-71993, AD-70042, AD-70052, AD-70018, AD-70055, AD-71831, AD-71810, AD-70023, AD-70035, AD-70044, AD-71820, AD-70027, AD-70034, AD-71837, AD-71861, AD-71998, AD-70020, AD-70026, AD-70030, AD-71801, AD-72003, AD-70025, AD-70021, AD-70029, AD-71834, AD-71765, AD-70043, AD-71840, AD-72006, AD-71844, AD-71779, AD-71830, AD-71952, AD-71766, AD-71950, AD-70022, AD-71833, AD-71823, AD-71847, AD-71900, AD-72014, AD-72015, AD-70037, AD-71982, AD-71787, AD-71894, AD-70048, AD-71887, AD-70028, AD-71980, AD-71826, AD-71855, AD-71778, AD-71757, AD-72012, AD-71854, AD-71890, AD-70038, AD-71865, AD-71933, AD-71942, AD-71901, AD-71878, AD-71905, or AD-71914.
 5. The dsRNA agent of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the sense and antisense strands comprise nucleotide sequences selected from the group consisting of of any of the nucleotide sequences listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6, and
 7. 6. The dsRNA agent of any one of claims 1-4, wherein said dsRNA agent comprises at least one nucleotide comprising a nucleotide modification.
 7. The dsRNA agent of any one of claims 1-4, wherein all of the nucleotides of said sense strand and all of the nucleotides of said antisense strand comprise a nucleotide modification.
 8. A double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene, wherein said dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand forming a double stranded region, wherein said sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and said antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of said sense strand and substantially all of the nucleotides of said antisense strand comprise a nucleotide modification, and wherein said sense strand is conjugated to a ligand attached at the 3′-terminus.
 9. The dsRNA agent of claim 8, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of any one of nucleotides 490-512, 86-104, 273-291, 339-358, 410-428, 444-462, 490-509, 493-512, 888-907, 936-954, 969-987, 1105-1123, 1158-1176, 1242-1260, 1326-1344, 1357-1412, 1357-1379, 1357-1376, 1360-1379, 1378-1412, 1378-1396, 1394-1412, 1481-1499, 1515-1548, 1515-1533, 1530-1548, 1718-1736, 1783-1802, 1854-1890, 1854-1872, 1872-1890, 2053-2072, 2077-2096, 2137-2160, 2137-2156, 2142-2160, 2173-2206, 2173-2192, 2177-2195, 2184-2203, 2187-2206, 2314-2332, 2567-2604, 2567-2585, 2585-2604, 2620-2640, 2620-2639, 2621-2640, 2722-2740, 2891-2909, 2941-2975, 2941-2959, 2956-2975, 2993-3011, 3025-3061, 3025-3044, 3042-3061, 3062-3110, 3062-3080, 3079-3097, 3091-3110, 3112-3147, 3112-3130, 3129-3147, 3197-3215, 3247-3265, 3316-3334, 3366-3384, 3487-3520, 3487-3505, 3502-3520, 3606-3624, 3672-3690, 3891-3930, 3891-3910, 3893-3912, 3912-3930, 4063-4081, 4114-4132, 4152-4171, 4200-4218, 4300-4337, 4300-4319, 4303-4321, 4319-4337, 4386-4404, 4519-4538, 4541-4559, 4618-4637, or 4703-4722 of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
 10. The dsRNA agent of claim 8 or 9, wherein all of the nucleotides of said sense strand and all of the nucleotides of said antisense strand comprise a nucleotide modification.
 11. The dsRNA agent of any one of claims 6-10, wherein the modified nucleotides are independently selected from the group consisting of a deoxy-nucleotide, a 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine (dT) nucleotide, a 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide, a 2′-fluoro modified nucleotide, a 2′-deoxy-modified nucleotide, a locked nucleotide, an unlocked nucleotide, a conformationally restricted nucleotide, a constrained ethyl nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide, a 2′-amino-modified nucleotide, a 2′-O-allyl-modified nucleotide, 2′-C-alkyl-modified nucleotide, 2′-hydroxly-modified nucleotide, a 2′-methoxyethyl modified nucleotide, a 2′-O-alkyl-modified nucleotide, a morpholino nucleotide, a phosphoramidate, a non-natural base comprising nucleotide, a tetrahydropyran modified nucleotide, a 1,5-anhydrohexitol modified nucleotide, a cyclohexenyl modified nucleotide, a nucleotide comprising a phosphorothioate group, a nucleotide comprising a methylphosphonate group, a nucleotide comprising a 5′-phosphate, and a nucleotide comprising a 5′-phosphate mimic.
 12. The dsRNA agent of claim 11, wherein said modified nucleotides comprise a short sequence of 3′-terminal deoxy-thymine nucleotides (dT).
 13. The dsRNA agent of claim 3 or 4, wherein the region of complementarity is at least 17 nucleotides in length.
 14. The dsRNA agent of claim 3 or 4, wherein the region of complementarity is 19 to 21 nucleotides in length.
 15. The dsRNA agent of claim 14, wherein the region of complementarity is 19 nucleotides in length.
 16. The dsRNA agent of any one of claims 1-4 and 8, wherein each strand is no more than 30 nucleotides in length.
 17. The dsRNA agent of any one of claims 1-4 and 8, wherein at least one strand comprises a 3′ overhang of at least 1 nucleotide.
 18. The dsRNA agent of any one of claims 1-4 and 8, wherein at least one strand comprises a 3′ overhang of at least 2 nucleotides.
 19. The dsRNA agent of any one of claims 1-4 further comprising a ligand.
 20. The dsRNA agent of claim 19, wherein the ligand is conjugated to the 3′ end of the sense strand of the dsRNA agent.
 21. The dsRNA agent of claim 8 or 19, wherein the ligand is an N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) derivative.
 22. The dsRNA agent of claim 21, wherein the ligand is


23. The dsRNA agent of claim 22, wherein the dsRNA agent is conjugated to the ligand as shown in the following schematic

and, wherein X is O or S.
 24. The dsRNA agent of claim 23, wherein the X is O.
 25. The dsRNA agent of claim 3 or 4, wherein the region of complementarity comprises any one of the antisense nucleotide sequences of any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and
 7. 26. The dsRNA agent of claim 3 or 4, wherein the region of complementarity consists of any one of the antisense nucleotide sequences of any one of Tables 3, 4, 6 and
 7. 27. A double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting the expression of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene, wherein said dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein said antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding XDH, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein said dsRNA agent is represented by formula (III): sense: 5′n_(p)-N_(a)-(XXX)_(i)-N_(b)-YYY-N_(b)-(ZZZ)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q)3′ antisense: 3′n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(i)-N_(a)′-n_(q)′5′  (III) wherein: i, j, k, and 1 are each independently 0 or 1; p, p′, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6; each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each sequence comprising at least two differently modified nucleotides; each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof; each n_(p), n_(p)′, n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may not be present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide; XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently represent one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides; modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′; and wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one ligand.
 28. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein i is 0; j is 0; i is 1; j is 1; both i and j are 0; or both i and j are
 1. 29. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein k is 0; l is 0; k is 1; l is 1; both k and l are 0; or both k and l are
 1. 30. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein XXX is complementary to X′X′X′, YYY is complementary to Y′Y′Y′, and ZZZ is complementary to Z′Z′Z′.
 31. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein the YYY motif occurs at or near the cleavage site of the sense strand.
 32. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein the Y′Y′Y′ motif occurs at the 11, 12 and 13 positions of the antisense strand from the 5′-end.
 33. The dsRNA agent of claim 32, wherein the Y′ is 2′-O-methyl.
 34. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein formula (III) is represented by formula (IIIa): sense: 5′n_(p)-N_(a)-YYY-N_(a)-n_(q)3′ antisense: 3′n_(p′)-N_(a′)-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a′)-n_(q′)5′  (IIIa).
 35. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein formula (III) is represented by formula (IIIb): sense: 5′n_(p)-N_(a)-YYY-N_(b)-ZZZ-N_(a)-n_(q)3′ antisense: 3′n_(p′)-N_(a′)-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b′)-Z′Z′Z′-N_(a′)-n_(q′)5′  (IIIb) wherein each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 1-5 modified nucleotides.
 36. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein formula (III) is represented by formula (IIIc): sense: 5′n_(p)-N_(a)-XXX-N_(b)-YYY-n_(q)3′ antisense: 3′n_(p′)-N_(a′)-X′X′X′-N_(b′)-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a′)-n_(q′)5′  (IIIc) wherein each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 1-5 modified nucleotides.
 37. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein formula (III) is represented by formula (IIId): sense: 5′n_(p)-N_(a)-XXX-N_(b)-YYY-N_(b)-ZZZ-N_(a)-n_(q)3′ antisense: 3′n_(p′)-N_(a′)-X′X′X′-N_(b′)-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b′)-Z′Z′Z′-N_(a′)-n_(q′)5′  (IIId) wherein each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 1-5 modified nucleotides and each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 2-10 modified nucleotides.
 38. The dsRNA agent of claim 8 or 27, wherein the double stranded region is 15-30 nucleotide pairs in length.
 39. The dsRNA agent of claim 38, wherein the double stranded region is 17-23 nucleotide pairs in length.
 40. The dsRNA agent of claim 38, wherein the double stranded region is 17-25 nucleotide pairs in length.
 41. The dsRNA agent of claim 38, wherein the double stranded region is 23-27 nucleotide pairs in length.
 42. The dsRNA agent of claim 38, wherein the double stranded region is 19-21 nucleotide pairs in length.
 43. The dsRNA agent of claim 8 or 27, wherein the double stranded region is 21-23 nucleotide pairs in length.
 44. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein each strand has 15-30 nucleotides.
 45. The dsRNA agent of claim 8 or 27, wherein each strand has 19-30 nucleotides.
 46. The dsRNA agent of claim 8 or 27, wherein the modifications on the nucleotides are selected from the group consisting of LNA, HNA, CeNA, 2′-methoxyethyl, 2′-O-alkyl, 2′-O-allyl, 2′-C-allyl, 2′-fluoro, 2′-deoxy, 2′-hydroxyl, and combinations thereof.
 47. The dsRNA agent of claim 46, wherein the modifications on the nucleotides are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications.
 48. The dsRNA agent of claim 8 or 27, wherein the ligand is one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.
 49. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, the ligand is


50. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein the ligand is attached to the 3′ end of the sense strand.
 51. The dsRNA agent of claim 50, wherein the RNAi agent is conjugated to the ligand as shown in the following schematic


52. The dsRNA agent of claim 8 or 27, wherein said agent further comprises at least one phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage.
 53. The dsRNA agent of claim 52, wherein the phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage is at the 3′-terminus of one strand.
 54. The dsRNA agent of claim 53, wherein said strand is the antisense strand.
 55. The dsRNA agent of claim 53, wherein said strand is the sense strand.
 56. The dsRNA agent of claim 52, wherein the phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage is at the 5′-terminus of one strand.
 57. The dsRNA agent of claim 56, wherein said strand is the antisense strand.
 58. The dsRNA agent of claim 56, wherein said strand is the sense strand.
 59. The dsRNA agent of claim 52, wherein the phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage is at the both the 5′- and 3′-terminus of one strand.
 60. The dsRNA agent of claim 59, wherein said strand is the antisense strand.
 61. The dsRNA agent of claim 8 or 27, wherein the base pair at the 1 position of the 5′-end of the antisense strand of the duplex is an AU base pair.
 62. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein the Y nucleotides contain a 2′-fluoro modification.
 63. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein the Y′ nucleotides contain a 2′-O-methyl modification.
 64. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein p′>0.
 65. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein p′=2.
 66. The dsRNA agent of claim 65, wherein q′=0, p=0, q=0, and p′ overhang nucleotides are complementary to the target mRNA.
 67. The dsRNA agent of claim 65, wherein q′=0, p=0, q=0, and p′ overhang nucleotides are non-complementary to the target mRNA.
 68. The dsRNA agent of claim 59, wherein the sense strand has a total of 21 nucleotides and the antisense strand has a total of 23 nucleotides.
 69. The dsRNA agent of any one of claims 64-68, wherein at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide via a phosphorothioate linkage.
 70. The dsRNA agent of claim 69, wherein all n_(p)′ are linked to neighboring nucleotides via phosphorothioate linkages.
 71. The dsRNA agent of claim 27, wherein said dsRNA agent is selected from the group of dsRNA agents listed in any one of Tables 3, 4, 6, and
 7. 72. The dsRNA agent of claim 24, wherein all of the nucleotides of said sense strand and all of the nucleotides of said antisense strand comprise a nucleotide modification.
 73. A double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent capable for inhibiting the expression of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene in a cell, wherein said dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein said antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding XDH, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein said dsRNA agent is represented by formula (III): sense: 5′n_(p)-N_(a)-(XXX)_(i)-N_(b)-YYY-N_(b)-(ZZZ)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q)3′ antisense: 3′n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(i)-N_(a)′-n_(q)′5′  (III) wherein: i, j, k, and 1 are each independently 0 or 1; p, p′, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6; each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each sequence comprising at least two differently modified nucleotides; each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof; each n_(p), n_(p)′, n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may not be present independently represents an overhang nucleotide; XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently represent one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, and wherein the modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications; modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′; and wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one ligand.
 74. A double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent capable for inhibiting the expression of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene in a cell, wherein said dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein said antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding XDH, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein said dsRNA agent is represented by formula (III): sense: 5′n_(p)-N_(a)-(XXX)_(i)-N_(b)-YYY-N_(b)-(ZZZ)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q)3′ antisense: 3′n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(i)-N_(a)′-n_(q)′5′  (III) wherein: i, j, k, and 1 are each independently 0 or 1; each n_(p), n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may not be present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide; p, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6; n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide via a phosphorothioate linkage; each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each sequence comprising at least two differently modified nucleotides; each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof; XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently represent one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, and wherein the modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications; modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′; and wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one ligand.
 75. A double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting the expression of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene in a cell, wherein said dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein said antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding XDH, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein said dsRNA agent is represented by formula (III): sense: 5′n_(p)-N_(a)-(XXX)_(i)-N_(b)-YYY-N_(b)-(ZZZ)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q)3′ antisense: 3′n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(i)-N_(a)′-n_(q)′5′  (III) wherein: i, j, k, and 1 are each independently 0 or 1; each n_(p), n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may not be present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide; p, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6; n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide via a phosphorothioate linkage; each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each sequence comprising at least two differently modified nucleotides; each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof; XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently represent one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, and wherein the modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications; modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′; and wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one ligand, wherein the ligand is one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.
 76. A double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting the expression of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene in a cell, wherein said dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein said antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding XDH, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein said dsRNA agent is represented by formula (III): sense: 5′n_(p)-N_(a)-(XXX)_(i)-N_(b)-YYY-N_(b)-(ZZZ)_(j)-N_(a)-n_(q)3′ antisense: 3′n_(p)′-N_(a)′-(X′X′X′)_(k)-N_(b)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(b)′-(Z′Z′Z′)_(i)-N_(a)′-n_(q)′5′  (III) wherein: i, j, k, and 1 are each independently 0 or 1; each n_(p), n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may not be present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide; p, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6; n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide via a phosphorothioate linkage; each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each sequence comprising at least two differently modified nucleotides; each N_(b) and N_(b)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-10 nucleotides which are either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof; XXX, YYY, ZZZ, X′X′X′, Y′Y′Y′, and Z′Z′Z′ each independently represent one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, and wherein the modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications; modifications on N_(b) differ from the modification on Y and modifications on N_(b)′ differ from the modification on Y′; wherein the sense strand comprises at least one phosphorothioate linkage; and wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one ligand, wherein the ligand is one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.
 77. A double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting the expression of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene in a cell, wherein said dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand complementary to an antisense strand, wherein said antisense strand comprises a region complementary to part of an mRNA encoding XDH, wherein each strand is about 14 to about 30 nucleotides in length, wherein said dsRNA agent is represented by formula (III): sense: 5′n_(p)-N_(a)-YYY-N_(a)-n_(q)3′ antisense: 3′n_(p)′-N_(a)′-Y′Y′Y′-N_(a)′-n_(q)′5′  (IIIa) wherein: each n_(p), n_(q), and n_(q)′, each of which may or may not be present, independently represents an overhang nucleotide; p, q, and q′ are each independently 0-6; n_(p)′>0 and at least one n_(p)′ is linked to a neighboring nucleotide via a phosphorothioate linkage; each N_(a) and N_(a)′ independently represents an oligonucleotide sequence comprising 0-25 nucleotides which are either modified or unmodified or combinations thereof, each sequence comprising at least two differently modified nucleotides; YYY and Y′Y′Y′ each independently represent one motif of three identical modifications on three consecutive nucleotides, and wherein the modifications are 2′-O-methyl or 2′-fluoro modifications; wherein the sense strand comprises at least one phosphorothioate linkage; and wherein the sense strand is conjugated to at least one ligand, wherein the ligand is one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a bivalent or trivalent branched linker.
 78. The dsRNA agent of any one of claims 73-77, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from any one of nucleotides 490-512, 86-104, 273-291, 339-358, 410-428, 444-462, 490-509, 493-512, 888-907, 936-954, 969-987, 1105-1123, 1158-1176, 1242-1260, 1326-1344, 1357-1412, 1357-1379, 1357-1376, 1360-1379, 1378-1412, 1378-1396, 1394-1412, 1481-1499, 1515-1548, 1515-1533, 1530-1548, 1718-1736, 1783-1802, 1854-1890, 1854-1872, 1872-1890, 2053-2072, 2077-2096, 2137-2160, 2137-2156, 2142-2160, 2173-2206, 2173-2192, 2177-2195, 2184-2203, 2187-2206, 2314-2332, 2567-2604, 2567-2585, 2585-2604, 2620-2640, 2620-2639, 2621-2640, 2722-2740, 2891-2909, 2941-2975, 2941-2959, 2956-2975, 2993-3011, 3025-3061, 3025-3044, 3042-3061, 3062-3110, 3062-3080, 3079-3097, 3091-3110, 3112-3147, 3112-3130, 3129-3147, 3197-3215, 3247-3265, 3316-3334, 3366-3384, 3487-3520, 3487-3505, 3502-3520, 3606-3624, 3672-3690, 3891-3930, 3891-3910, 3893-3912, 3912-3930, 4063-4081, 4114-4132, 4152-4171, 4200-4218, 4300-4337, 4300-4319, 4303-4321, 4319-4337, 4386-4404, 4519-4538, 4541-4559, 4618-4637, or 4703-4722 of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
 79. A double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) agent for inhibiting expression of a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene in a cell, wherein said dsRNA agent comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand forming a double stranded region, wherein said sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and said antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of said sense strand comprise a modification selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification and a 2′-fluoro modification, wherein said sense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus, wherein substantially all of the nucleotides of said antisense strand comprise a nucleotide modification selected from the group consisting of a 2′-O-methyl modification and a 2′-fluoro modification, wherein said antisense strand comprises two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 5′-terminus and two phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages at the 3′-terminus, and wherein said sense strand is conjugated to one or more GalNAc derivatives attached through a branched bivalent or trivalent linker at the 3′-terminus.
 80. The dsRNA agent of claim 79, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of any one of nucleotides 490-512, 86-104, 273-291, 339-358, 410-428, 444-462, 490-509, 493-512, 888-907, 936-954, 969-987, 1105-1123, 1158-1176, 1242-1260, 1326-1344, 1357-1412, 1357-1379, 1357-1376, 1360-1379, 1378-1412, 1378-1396, 1394-1412, 1481-1499, 1515-1548, 1515-1533, 1530-1548, 1718-1736, 1783-1802, 1854-1890, 1854-1872, 1872-1890, 2053-2072, 2077-2096, 2137-2160, 2137-2156, 2142-2160, 2173-2206, 2173-2192, 2177-2195, 2184-2203, 2187-2206, 2314-2332, 2567-2604, 2567-2585, 2585-2604, 2620-2640, 2620-2639, 2621-2640, 2722-2740, 2891-2909, 2941-2975, 2941-2959, 2956-2975, 2993-3011, 3025-3061, 3025-3044, 3042-3061, 3062-3110, 3062-3080, 3079-3097, 3091-3110, 3112-3147, 3112-3130, 3129-3147, 3197-3215, 3247-3265, 3316-3334, 3366-3384, 3487-3520, 3487-3505, 3502-3520, 3606-3624, 3672-3690, 3891-3930, 3891-3910, 3893-3912, 3912-3930, 4063-4081, 4114-4132, 4152-4171, 4200-4218, 4300-4337, 4300-4319, 4303-4321, 4319-4337, 4386-4404, 4519-4538, 4541-4559, 4618-4637, or 4703-4722 of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
 81. The dsRNA agent of claim 79, wherein all of the nucleotides of said sense strand and all of the nucleotides of said antisense strand comprise a nucleotide modification.
 82. The dsRNA agent of claim 79, wherein each strand has 19-30 nucleotides.
 83. A cell containing the dsRNA agent of any one of claims 1-4, 8, 27, 73-77, and
 79. 84. A vector encoding at least one strand of a dsRNA agent, wherein said dsRNA agent comprises a region of complementarity to at least a part of an mRNA encoding a xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene, wherein said dsRNA agent is 30 base pairs or less in length, and wherein said dsRNA agent targets said mRNA for cleavage.
 85. A cell comprising the vector of claim
 84. 86. A pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting expression of an XDH gene comprising the dsRNA agent of any one of claims 1-4, 8, 27, 73-77, and 79 or the vector of claim
 84. 87. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 86, wherein the dsRNA agent is administered in an unbuffered solution.
 88. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 87, wherein said unbuffered solution is saline or water.
 89. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 86, wherein said dsRNA agent is administered with a buffer solution.
 90. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 89, wherein said buffer solution comprises acetate, citrate, prolamine, carbonate, or phosphate or any combination thereof.
 91. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 89, wherein said buffer solution is phosphate buffered saline (PBS).
 92. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA agent of any one of claims 1-2, and a lipid formulation.
 93. A method of inhibiting xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) expression in a cell, the method comprising contacting the cell with the dsRNA agent of any one of claims claims 1-4, 8, 27, 73-77, and 79 or a pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 86-92, thereby inhibiting expression of the XDH gene in the cell.
 94. The method of claim 93, wherein said cell is within a subject.
 95. The method of claim 94, wherein the subject is a human.
 96. The method of any one of claims 93-95, wherein the XDH expression is inhibited by at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 98%, or to below an assay detection level.
 97. A method of treating a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from reduction in XDH expression, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the dsRNA agent of any one of claims 1-4, 8, 27, 73-77, and 79 or a pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 86-92, thereby treating said subject.
 98. A method of preventing at least one symptom in a subject having a disease or disorder that would benefit from reduction in XDH expression, the method comprising administering to the subject a prophylactically effective amount of the dsRNA agent of any one of claims 1-4, 8, 27, 73-77, and 79 or a pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 86-92, thereby preventing at least one symptom in the subject having a disorder that would benefit from reduction in XDH expression.
 99. The method of claim 97 or 98, wherein the administration of the double stranded RNAi agent to the subject decreases serum uric acid.
 100. The method of claim 97 or 98, wherein the disorder is an XDH-associated disease.
 101. The method of claim 100, wherein the XDH-associated disease is hyperuricemia.
 102. The method of claim 100, wherein the XDH-associated disease is gout.
 103. The method of claim 100, wherein the XDH-associated disease is selected from the group consisting of NAFLD, NASH, metabolic disorder, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and a condition linked to oxidative stress.
 104. The method of any of claims 97-103, wherein the subject has renal insufficiency.
 105. The method of any one of claims 97-104, further comprising administering an additional agent to the subject for the treatment of an XDH-associated disease.
 106. The method of any one of claims 97-105, wherein the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject at a dose of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg.
 107. The method of any one of claims 97-106, wherein the dsRNA agent is administered to the subject subcutaneously.
 108. The method of claim 97 or 98, further comprising measuring uric acid level in said subject.
 109. The method of any one of claims 97-108, wherein the subject is human. 